There is no difference between a police officer and a teenager when they get in the boxing ring during a weekly fitness session at the Police Citizens Youth Club in Wollongong.
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Children from all walks of life get a healthy start, breakfast and can talk to Wollongong District Police officers during Fit for Life sessions on a Wednesday from 7.30am.
And this week's program is open to all children aged 10 to 17 and will be held at City Beach Wollongong.
Senior Constable Darren Palk said it was important for police officers to build up trust with the teens.
"Whatever issues are going on, we talk about them," he said. "We don't go in with any agendas. If the kids want to talk to us they will.
"It is about building up trust which we do through the physical activities, when we drive them to and from school and while sitting at breakfast. We are all equal. There are no egos."
Police mentors pick up the kids and then they run a fitness session which can be boxing, high intensity interval training or ball games. Officers then sit down with the teens who are encouraged to talk about their home and school life before they are dropped to school.
Some participants get involved with the Fit for Life program through other activities within PCYC and while others are referred by police youth case managers.
Some children are go to the sessions as part of youth justice outcome plans or are sent after attending Children's Court.
Parents or the teenagers themselves start going after hearing about the program through word of mouth.
Senior Constable Palk said some children had issues at school so the mentors worked to get them interested again or helped them find employment. Teens are also connected to other agencies to help with their home life.
"We've got an eclectic groups of kids who gel well," Senior Constable Palk said. "It is a positive environment."
That's why any teenager is welcome to come and be put through their paces by Chodat Fitness trainers during a high intensity interval and body weight training session, regardless of their fitness level.
"It will be about engaging the kids rather than smashing them with exercises until they can't breathe," trainer Jack West said. "We want to get them to move, have some fun and meet new people."
A hot barbeque breakfast will also be provided.
Corrimal High School student Daniel Wells, 14, regularly attends the Fit for Life Wednesday sessions after the program was recommended to him by friends.
"I enjoy the fitness, sports and meeting new people," he said.
Daniel said other young people should come along to improve their fitness, be social and have fun.
