YMCA has new Kid Fit fitness program

YMCA information

The YMCA of Van Wert County is offering Kid Fit, a sport based fitness program open to athletes and non-athletes in grades 5-8.  It is for kids within this age range wanting to get in shape or become quicker, stronger and more agile for the sports in which they participate. The program is run through the Y’s wellness department on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Chad Strawn, certified personal trainer with the Y, instructs the program in a circuit style of training.  Within each 60-minute session, the time is comprised of an active warm-up, 30 minutes of circuits that address that day’s training focus, followed by a fun game to wrap up the session. Kids leave feeling energized and smiling.

Students in grades 5-8 represent a special population in fitness.  Due to growth spurts and body changes, kids in this age group often suffer from balance and coordination issues.  This age group also has specific needs in regard to strength training that differ from adults or even high school age individuals.  Many participate in sports, so training to improve agility, speed, vertical leap and first-step quickness is necessary.  Kid Fit does all of this.

The focuses of Kid Fit are transferable to improvements in all sports; however, Kid Fit is not just for athletes.  It is for any child who needs to improve body awareness and overall fitness goals.  Childhood obesity is at an all time high and, with the reduction of physical fitness in schools and homes, children are suffering health related issues we used to see in adults.

“After only a few weeks of being in the program, we are already seeing improvements with Kid Fit participants,” stated Julie Schaufelberger, YMCA wellness director.  “These improvements have been in coordination, balance and overall fitness.  Some of the kids participate in sports and others do not, but Kid Fit and the specific training is benefiting them all,” Schaufelberger added.

“We offer three sessions of Kid Fit per week and some kids only come once or twice per week, depending on other activities in which they are involved.  They are still getting benefits from the time they are here, no matter how often they come.  We wanted to offer flexibility for kids who would be involved,” Schaufelberger added.

Eric McCracken, a Van Wert resident whose son, Jalen, participates in Kid Fit, says he has noticed some changes in his son’s athletic performance on a local traveling basketball team.  “After just two weeks (six sessions) in the program, I noticed he had more body control and his feet seemed quicker,” McCracken noted. “His stamina has greatly improved, which has helped his performance during basketball practices and games.

“He hates to miss Kid Fit, he loves it,” McCracken added.

For more information about Kid Fit, call 419.238.0443, visit the YMCA website at www.vwymca.org, or email kristin@vwymca.org or julie@vwymca.org.

The YMCA of Van Wert County is partially funded by The Van Wert County Foundation and United Way of Van Wert County.