From Sluggish and Tired to Mighty and Strong: Valentina’s ENERGIZE! Journey

With school starting back, parents and kids probably have a lot on their checklist. 

• Snazzy school supplies
• Fashion-forward kicks and clothes
• New, fabulous friends
• Joy in discovery and learning

They might also be considering healthy foods and how to keep kids active throughout the year. In comes WakeMed ENERGIZE! to help. ENERGIZE! is taught collaboratively by dedicated WakeMed registered dietitians, education specialists, fitness instructors and community fitness partners in a fun and supportive group environment. Designed for children ages 6-18, ENERGIZE! offers a community-based, family-centered approach to help children and their families make healthy lifestyle changes. This award-winning program, open to qualifying children, offers free fitness and hands-on healthy lifestyle classes for the entire family.

One young teen, Valentina, recently completed her program and found it to be rewarding in ways she'd not expected.

When she joined the WakeMed ENERGIZE! Program in March 2026, she didn’t know just how much the five-month experience would change her. Through ENERGIZE!, Valentina learned new exercise techniques, discovered how to use different equipment and developed healthier habits. 

“I don’t feel lazy like I used to,” Valentina says. “Now I have more energy to do things I never usually had.”

That newfound energy made a difference when Valentina joined her school’s cross-country team in August. Running had once left her feeling tired and ready to quit. ENERGIZE! helped her build the strength and endurance to keep going.

“I give full credit and thanks to ENERGIZE! for giving me the inspiration to join something I never thought I would ever join,” Valentina shares.

Not only did she experience more energy, but she also lost weight and became more motivated and confident through ENERGIZE! Today, she feels better both physically and mentally. 

"My favorite part of the program was all the strength training and stretching."

She also gives a special shout-out to WakeMed fitness specialist, Gabe because he encouraged the children to incorporate healthy habits in a fun and inclusive way.

“It made me happy seeing him every week,” Valentina comments.

Now, Valentina hopes other kids and families will discover what she found through ENERGIZE!, so they, too, can get up, get active, eat better and living a full and enriching life.

“Please join ENERGIZE! It helped me a lot to work out, lose weight, join a sport — which I never thought I would — and change my eating habits.”