Fitness manager Kristina McGrath and trainer Dave Schatz discuss benefits of fitness training for middle school and high school students, including physical health, confidence, fun, social connections and good habits for life.

For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  

Quotes from the episode: “They (middle school students) get a lot (in our workouts). We’re getting the internal health, with keeping them moving, so they get that cardio vascular, but we’re also giving them the ability to create better coordinated movements, both fine motor and gross motor.  We’re building confidence, and we’re building muscle tone, both connective tissue and bone density.  They’re also getting the motivation to create their own plan and keep going with this for the rest of their life.

For the high schoolers, we focus a little more seriously, still keeping it fun. We’re establishing that confidence level and body recognition, so they are comfortable in the body that they have, but also teaching them the skills so that if they choose to make a change, they can do it. And we send them on their way with a good idea that they can do this on their own or they can have someone help them.” – Dave Schatz

“One of the slogans I always like is HWPO – hard work pays off. When you’re putting fitness into your life, you’re learning how to set goals and achieve them. And then seeing really measurable improvements. It’s a great way for kids to learn that I have to work hard, and when I work hard, I see results and achieve my goals. And that’s how that confidence really builds. It’s effort.  I think that carries over into adulthood.

The Fitness Center has really been boosting their ability to see each other. We see 2, 3, or 4 friends coming in to work out together, supporting each other, and giving each other ideas, suggestions and encouragement. It’s really nice to see.” - Kristina McGrath

Learn more about fitness for teens at Fort Hill Fitness

Teen Fitness University is for ages 12-14. Includes three sessions with a personal trainer and the opportunity to join Fort Hill Fitness after successfully completing the training.

Junior Hybrid Fitness is one of the premier classes available for ages 11-14. Next session is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2021. Register here.

High School Strength Camp – a 4-week program for small groups, ages 14 and up. Contact Kristina McGrath at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Sports-specific training classes – available by arrangement with a personal trainer. Contact Kristina McGrath at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Dave Schatz leading an outdoor youth fitness class