Perth gym bosses have teamed up with a local charity to promote the physical and mental health of teenagers.
Routine Health and Fitness works with young people referred from Perth’s Lighthouse.
Murray McDowell and Nicola Bonthrone, owners of a gym in Bridgend, Perth, are helping participants improve their fitness.
But teens are also learning about nutrition and daily living, and making connections with other people that can have a lasting impact on their mental health.
A group of girls are currently taking the 8-week course.
This follows a successful pilot scheme by a group of boys also referred from the Lighthouse Service.
And thanks to funding from Sidey Windows Doors and Conservatories, the gym will be offering free courses to dozens more Perthshire teenagers next year.
Murray, a former professional soccer player, said he enjoys watching the young people change as they progress through the course.
“We are already talking about improving things like sleep and lifestyle,” he said.
“And maybe if you find yourself in trouble in the future, you’ll remember how much better you felt when you were exercising and eating well, and you’ll go back there.”
‘8 Week Switch’ is based on Murray McDowell’s own experiences
Murray played for Cowdenbeath, Partick Thistle and Arbroath before enjoying a successful career at junior level.
He later managed teams such as Genefield Swifts and was a fitness coach at Dundee FC.
After losing my partner and brother in 2022 and my own mental health deteriorating to the point of homelessness and addiction, fitness helped me recover.
That’s why his gym focuses on mental health as well as physical fitness.
of Daily health and fitness The 8-week switchover program is designed to help people embrace healthier lifestyles and make more positive life choices.
This includes exercise, nutrition and ‘reconnection’ programs aimed at combating isolation and boosting self-confidence.
Gym members donated more than £1,000 to help Murray and Nicola set up a program for teenagers late last year.
And with Sidey’s support, we will be able to offer five more courses throughout 2025.
Partners are proud to be part of the change
From Charlotte Nairn lighthouse It said there was a noticeable difference in the young people who completed the first course.
“Not only did children’s mental and physical health improve, but so did their school attendance and relationships,” she says.
“I believe that if we can provide this resource to young people, it will change the lives of them and their families for the better.”
side day Marketing manager Sarah McIntosh said the company was “incredibly proud” to support the project.
“Mental health issues among teens are an increasingly pressing concern,” she says.
“This program…offers a proactive, systematic approach to improving mental health through physical activity and meaningful social interaction.”
