Kids to Kick Start their Way to Good Health

A new research study at The Children's Hospital at Westmead is offering 6 months of free martial arts lessons to teens in Years 6 to 12 of Secondary School who want to lose weight and feel great.

"The Martial Fitness program allows teens to learn and train for 6 months with expert martial art instructors," said program co-ordinator & Sydney University Exercise and Sport Science PhD Post Graduate, Tracey Tsang.

As part of the study participants will undergo state-of-the-art, private, health and fitness measurements (just like pro-athletes); improve their health and fitness and meet new friends.

Ms Tsang said there are many benefits to martial arts.

"Martial Arts can be a hugely beneficial exercise for adolescents. Not only can it improve fitness, but due to the intensity and mental discipline required, it can potentially improve self esteem, stamina, body composition, discipline and metabolism."

Students do not require any previous experience with martial arts or any form of exercise to join…and it's all free of charge and medically supervised!

If you're in Years 6 to 12 at school and feel like kick-starting your way to better health with Martial Fitness, call Tracey Tsang from The Children's Hospital at Westmead's Adolescent Medicine Unit on 0412 862 612 to find out more.