• Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Login
Community Rec
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
Community Rec
No Result
View All Result
Home Programming Fitness

Introducing Kids to the Fitness Floor Safely

Rachel Zabonick-Chonko by Rachel Zabonick-Chonko
September 20, 2018
in Fitness, Programming
0
fitness
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

For most community rec centers, engaging youth in fitness is a top priority. This ensures that from a young age, children are instilled with healthy values and habits that will hopefully last a lifetime.

However, children must be introduced to fitness in a safe and healthy manner. With this in mind, The Y In Central Maryland created two unique programs designed to teach kids of different age groups how to use fitness equipment safely and effectively.

The first is the Kids Cardio program, which is designed to provide an orientation for youth ages 8 to 12 to safely learn how to use cardio equipment. “It provides them with info and a quiz,” said Kelly Lepley, the executive director of fitness. “Once completed, they can use the cardio equipment while supervised by a parent.”

The second program is the Teen Quest program, designed to provide an orientation for youth ages 13 to 15 to safely learn how to use selectorized strength equipment. “It provides them with info and a quiz, of which when completed they are given privileges to use the fitness center equipment without direct supervision of their parent, thus instilling responsibility,” explained Lepley.

According to Lepley, the programs have been received well by both kids and parents, as they instill a sense of privilege and independence in kids who graduate from the programs.

“Kids feel a sense of ownership and privilege to have the freedom to use equipment independently,” said Lepley. “Parents appreciate that their child is being taught how to use equipment safely and able to use it independently.”

For community rec centers interested in launching a similar program, Lepley gave the following advice. “Know the safety requirements around your equipment and with your insurance company,” she said. “The equipment that is part of the lessons and introduced is based on height requirements of the equipment manufacturers, so we are staying within limits of liability as the foundation of the program.”

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Tags: Community Reccommunity recreationfitnessfitness floorY in Central Marylandyouth fitnessyouth programming
Previous Post

How to Approach Small Group Training

Next Post

Why the YMCA of Greater Kansas City Hired a Medical Doctor

Rachel Zabonick-Chonko

Rachel Zabonick-Chonko

Rachel is the Editor-in-Chief of Peake Media. Reach her at rachel@peakemedia.com.

Related Posts

Newport County YMCA
Programming

New Golf Program at Newport County YMCA Provides Accessible Outlet for Recreation

March 31, 2025
JCC Greater Boston
Programming

Liane Weber on the Family Wing at the JCC Greater Boston

March 24, 2025
Kokomo Family YMCA
Operations & Facilities

Kokomo Family YMCA Capitalizes on Recovery Trend With New Sauna

March 10, 2025
Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Sees Strong Response After Pickleball Center Opening
Facility Development

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Sees Strong Response After Pickleball Center Opening

February 24, 2025
Lakeland Hills YMCA
Programming

Lakeland Hills YMCA and Mountain Creek Resort Partners for GRIT ‘n Snow Program

January 13, 2025
2025 fitness trends
Fitness

2025 Fitness Trends: Insights into the Top 10 Trends Shaping the Future of Fitness

November 18, 2024
Next Post
medical doctor

Why the YMCA of Greater Kansas City Hired a Medical Doctor

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Exposure Guide + Media Kit

March/April 2025 Issue

Get Updates in your inbox

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Contact us at info@communityrecmag.com

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us

The Current Issue

The Latest from CO

  • Alief Family YMCA Closing at End of May After Federal Funding Cuts
  • YMCA of Greater Birmingham Names Chad Zaucha as New CEO
  • YMCA of McCook Modernizing Facilities as Part of Capital Improvement Project
  • DynaDome Creates an Innovative Aquatics Space at YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas

© 2025 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide

© 2025 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.