Youth Fitness Findings
nutrition and cooking classes; 5K family training; and a triathlon train- ing camp.
“The benefits of youth program- ming are immense,” suggests Kirsten Ryan, the general manager of ACAC, which operates three clubs in Virginia. “Helping our families live their best includes creating opportunities for children, from a very young age, to experience healthy choices. We develop programs that allow families to exercise together or allow a parent to exercise while their child is active in a safe and supportive environment.”
for youth. Recently, ACAC opened a year-round, state-licensed preschool program that emphasizes physical activity for the very young.
Growing sophistication
Increasingly, clubs are focusing specifically on children’s weight issues, and their programs are trending toward the medical. The Bronson Athletic Club (BAC), part of the Bronson Healthcare Group, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, recently launched a new physician referral- based program for youngsters 8–12
“HELPING OUR FAMILIES LIVE THEIR BEST INCLUDES CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN, FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE, TO EXPERIENCE HEALTHY CHOICES.”
For the past nine years, children’s programming at ACAC has been growing, driven, in part, by sugges- tions and requests from members. Today, the wealth of possibilities includes racquetball, squash, kendo, karate, field hockey clinics, travel lacrosse leagues, conditioning classes for some high school sports, and group exercise classes designed
years old. The six-week sessions involve workouts twice a week, which include games and obstacle courses, and nutrition education. “We asked local pediatricians what they’d like to see, and they’re incredibly excited about this pro- gram, because they need a place to refer kids,” reports Kristina Knight, the fitness director at BAC. “If kids
aren’t active at an early age, they’re destined to have health issues later in life. We utilize a coaching method- ology that motivates them and gets them to buy into what we’re doing, and we always try to make it fun.” One of the pioneers in weight
management, the Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa, in Miami, has been conducting special one- and two-week summer Pritikin Family Programs since 2002. Parents follow the tradi- tional Pritikin health and weight-loss regimen and attend workshops, with or without their children, to learn how to make healthier lifestyle choices. “Each day, the children whoop and holler their way through drum- thumping classes, such as cardio-rap workouts, funky-salsa-hop dance classes, and Pump ‘Em Up strength training sessions. They also get to enjoy golf, tennis, kay- aking, and water-park activities,” describes Scott Danberg, the director of fitness at Pritikin. “The Pritikin Family Program empowers children with the skills they need to grow into lean, healthy adults, and, at
Courtney Potter
ACAC’s youth programming in action 52 Club Business Internat ional | DECEMBER 2011 |
ihrsa.org
Kids’ accomplishments increase self-confidence
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