Fitness isn’t only for sporty kids, guru says
Gym rep hyped for school visit to inspire pupils
AN EAST London fitness enthusiast is on a mission to educate and motivate school pupils to stay fit and healthy.
Daniel Schoeman, of Motion Fitness gym, says his personal experience of being cast as “the odd one out” at school, motivated him to work out and ultimately build up his confidence.
“I wasn’t able to participate in school sport because I was labelled as being too short and too small.
“I did not fit the profile of a typical athletic child. That is why I want to tell children that no matter how society perceives them, they can reach their full potential through fitness and a healthy lifestyle,” said Schoeman.
Speaking to a hall filled with Grade 1 to 7 pupils, Schoeman kick-started his school-to-school fitness talks at Laërskool Grens.
The hall was bursting with giggles and smiles as Schoeman entertained them with humour through his presentation.
“Fitness changed my life, it gave me the confidence I have today. I am now a bodybuilder and I am doing something I never thought I would be able to do,” said Schoeman.
“Life is not a walk in the park, even for young children. They are faced with issues of acceptance and sometimes bullying at school. Young people can be stressed,” he said.
Schoeman also did a mini aerobics demonstration, with two of the schools’ teachers joining in.
The hall erupted with cheers as an energetic song pumped through the speakers, while Schoeman led the teachers in simple yet affective moves.
Ten-year-old Miandi Wittstock, a Grade 4 pupil, said she thoroughly enjoyed the presentation.
“I play netball at school wouldn’t mind doing more. and “It looks like fun,” said Miandi. Grade 6 teacher Mandi Engelbrecht expressed how excited she was about the initiative.
“The presentation was inclusive and very insightful. The children were excited. Fitness is so important as it gives children a positive outlook on life and about themselves.”
Schoeman hopes to visit other East London schools to inspire pupils
“This is only the beginning. Children are our future and they have every right to be what they want to be. A healthy lifestyle is a key component to achieving this,” he said.
Motion Fitness Gym is providing a discounted joining fee for pupils. A personalised meal plan is also included. —