Youth Service and Ezra push positive mental health through calisthenics

FOR many years, Clare Youth Service has been using the ‘Natural Highs’ approach to promote positive mental health and self-esteem through exercise and outdoor activity. Now, the Drugs Education and Prevention Project (DEPP) at CYS has teamed up with Ezra Zane Fitness to provide beginner calisthenics programmes for young people in Ennis.
An integral part of the DEPP is to promote healthier lifestyle choices and provide young people with the opportunity to engage in physical exercise.
Calisthenics is a form of bodyweight resistance training that focuses on strength, balance and flexibility and it is the most recent addition to the activities on offer at CYS.
A new programme will start on October 21 and Eve Wood Hennessy of Clare Youth Service is encouraging young people to give it a try.
“Ezra will works closely with a group of young people and youth workers, teaching them the basics of calisthenics,” said Eve.
“Throughout the programme, the group will practice fundamental movement patterns such as the pull up, push up and handstand, with a focus on improving technique and body alignment.
“For the DEPP, it is important that young people are equipped with the knowledge, self-esteem and skills to make positive life-choices and choose alternatives to drugs or alcohol.
“Incorporating physical well-being and exercise into DEPP programmes is central to achieving this aim.”
The Clare Youth Service will be collaborating with Ezra again this month. Places are limited.
To book or find out more, contact Eve at depp@clareyouthservice.org. This programme is supported by the Mid-West Regional Drugs Task Force.