Enhancing the overall well-being of members is a core mission for community recreation centers. A rising trend within this undertaking has been an enhanced focus on youth fitness.
One organization capitalizing on this development is St. Louis JCC. Aside from routine youth sports offerings, the J also provides both youth fitness orientation and personal training.
Andy Hayes, the fitness director at St. Louis JCC, said his organization recognized the critical need for youth fitness programs to engage the entire community, specifically children.
“By addressing challenges like rising childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor posture due to excessive screen time, the J offers dynamic youth fitness programs,” said Hayes. “These include expert-guided personal training for young athletes to boost performance and engaging activities for kids less inclined toward sports. Through these initiatives, the JCC promotes physical health, mental well-being and the development of lifelong healthy habits, fostering a healthier community.”
Program Details
A youth fitness orientation is mandatory for children 12-15 years old who would like to use the fitness centers at either J location. Made by appointment, this 30-minute course teaches youth how to safely and effectively use cardiovascular and strength equipment. Then, after completing the course successfully, participants are allowed independent use of the fitness centers.
As part of the orientation participants learn how to do basic exercise, guidelines for using free weights, weight machines and cardio equipment, and risks and benefits of resistance training. Also, they focus on how to develop a safe and effective resistance training program.
Youth personal training is offered for ages 12 and older. The J’s certified personal trainers put together a correct plan of action for children to create enjoyable and safe entry into fitness.
Programs may include cardiovascular exercises, resistance, functional training and/or stretching, all with an individualized, goal-oriented focus. Pricing by appointment is 55 minutes: $74-$99 per 55-minute sessions and $43-$57 per 30-minute sessions.
“At the J, youth fitness orientations and personal training are designed to build confidence and competence in younger members,” said Hayes. “The orientation program introduces kids to safe equipment use and proper exercise techniques, ensuring they feel comfortable in a fitness environment. Moreover, these programs drive engagement, skill development and a lasting commitment to fitness among St. Louis area youth.”
Benefits, Evolution and Tips
Both programs are designed to be fun and engaging, with a focus on progressive skill-building to keep kids motivated. This approach ensures young members have access to safe, effective and enjoyable fitness experiences.
Hays said his organization’s fitness centers are poised to evolve their youth fitness programs. This will be done by integrating innovative approaches as the team keeps their eye on new technologies to boost engagement and make workouts more interactive for tech-savvy kids.
For industry leaders looking to emulate the JCC’s success, Hayes recommended prioritizing trained staff who understand youth development is key.
“The J creates a welcoming environment with diverse, age-appropriate activities to keep kids engaged while maintaining strict safety standards,” said Hayes. “We welcome feedback from participants and parents to continually refine their programs. By fostering a supportive, inclusive atmosphere and offering varied fitness options, the JCC ensures its youth programs remain impactful and relevant to our local community.”
Other Youth Fitness Programs
YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
The Y’s Born to Move program is designed to nurture a life-long love of physical activity. It aims to help children experience the joy and vitality of moving to music.
Each session feeds young people’s natural appetite for action, movement and play. The program lets participants enjoy the energy, confidence, good health and increased ability that goes with it. The program is available for ages 4-7.
Bender JCC
Similar to the St. Louis JCC, the Bender JCC offers it’s own youth fitness orientation — Teen Fitness 101.
This six-week course is a comprehensive fitness program designed specifically for teenagers up to 18 years old. Furthermore, the class is designed for those who want to learn the ins and outs of gym training. Focuses include mastering circuit training machines to understanding proper gym etiquette and incorporating functional training from a certified personal trainer.
YMCA of Greater Birmingham
Emphasizing dynamic movements, YMCA of Greater Birmingham offers Tumble and Twirl, Parent/Child Move and Groove and Tumble Time.
These lively classes offer children the opportunity to burn energy, make new friends and discover the joys of movement. Also, parent/child classes accentuate bonding through physical activity while promoting motor skills development, coordination, balance and flexibility in children.
