This is where teens are building lifelong gym habits: Keilor East Leisure Centre
The moment a young person first walks into a gym, something important happens. They’re learning how to confidently trust their bodies and form habits that can last a lifetime. At Keilor East Leisure Centre, this is becoming a familiar sight as teens actively develop healthy routines, supported by safe, age‑appropriate programming.
With childhood recognised as a critical developmental phase for establishing lifelong health behaviours, Keilor East Leisure Centre’s teen membership program is specifically designed to set young people up for success.
About the teen membership program
The program aligns with the AUSactive Children’s Health & Fitness Services Guidelines –these emphasise professionally supervised, structured, developmentally appropriate and inclusive participation for young people, aged five to seventeen. Parent and guardian involvement is also included to support ongoing engagement.
These guidelines state that regular activity strengthens the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems, supports healthy weight maintenance and contributes to positive psychological and social development. For teens, experiencing benefits from the gym can help shape healthy decision‑making well into adulthood.
15-year-old Daniel thrives, thanks to his teen membership
For one teen and parent, the teen membership program transformed uncertainty into independence.
Christine Connelly and her 15‑year‑old son, Daniel, began their journey into the gym with a mix of excitement and challenge. Daniel, who lives with a physical disability and autism, wanted to explore strength training as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Christine shared that while Daniel was eager to learn a new skill, he couldn’t attend the gym independently at first – and like many teenagers, he didn’t want a parent by his side. He required support, but wasn’t eligible for a companion card, creating an unexpected barrier.
That’s when Christine met Brooke, a team member at Keilor East Leisure Centre.
“Brooke was kind and listened to our challenge,” Christine said. “She outlined the gym’s approach to support workers and why the policy existed, but the most important part was that she was willing to listen, understand and meet us halfway. Together, we found a way to make it happen.”
With the right support, Daniel gradually learned his program, built confidence and developed the skills he needed to train independently. Today, he visits the gym on his own: a milestone that reflects both his hard work and the venue’s inclusive approach.
Daniel went on to achieve his Duke of Edinburgh Award, a moment Christine describes as “a huge achievement – one he wouldn’t have been able to do without the support of KELC.”
Stories like Daniel’s show how the program plays a powerful role in supporting young people’s growth. With professional guidance and an inclusive environment, teens can explore safe strength and cardiovascular training, build confidence and discover the joy of movement.
Keilor East Leisure Centre is committed to helping teens build strong foundations for their future, demonstrating how gyms are welcoming spaces where young people learn resilience and lifelong wellbeing habits.
Learn more about memberships here.
