It comes as no surprise that keeping kids active in Minnesota during the wintertime can be a challenge. It’s February, youth winter sports are winding down and families are getting restless for spring. On those days when it is too cold to venture outdoors, there are opportunities for kids and teens to be active.
From yoga and swimming to climbing walls and volleyball, Stillwater and the Hudson area fitness clubs offer great programs for young people who are looking to release some energy and crush those feelings of pent-up cabin fever.
River Valley Athletic Club, Stillwater
“Kids don’t have [daily] recess anymore, so [parents] will want to keep their kids moving for overall health,” says Laura McNiff, fitness and marketing director at River Valley Athletic Club. The club prides itself on being “big enough to have every machine, but small enough to know your name.” Because kids won’t always have time during school for an energy release, River Valley helps fill that need in a community environment where kids, teens and families can feel comfortable.
The club offers different activities for youth in different age groups. For younger kids, they have group games and half-hour yoga classes, which are free with a membership. “You just have to keep them moving and involved,” McNiff says. For the older ones, there are racquetball, basketball and volleyball open courts and classes. The club also offers a climbing wall, Zumba and dance fitness classes.
Older kids are also welcome to join their parents in the regular spinning, yoga or dance classes, or any others as long as they stay involved. McNiff supports and sees the value in parents working out with their kids; it’s a mimicking game. “If they’re not coming to the gym or doing something active, the kids aren’t going to follow,” McNiff says. Likewise, if the parents get excited about staying active in the wintertime, their kids are likely to follow suit. “You just need to do it,” she says. “Keep active and summer will come quickly.”
YMCA, Hudson
The YMCA in Hudson is more than just a “gym and swim” in the wintertime. With activities like Zumba, log rolling and sports sampler classes, there is something for everyone to keep busy during the winter.
Kelly Fox, director of healthy living at the YMCA, wants families to know they have options. “We [offer many] opportunities to keep the kids engaged,” she says. “It’s really important to learn healthy habits at an early age. We’re giving them a lot of fun activities, instead of making it feel like a workout.”
The swimming pool offers classes, Swim Academy for groups, private or semi-private lessons, and a youth swim team. The YMCA also offers fitness center orientations to children over age 7, and they are all welcome to use the equipment and the indoor track and participate in classes.
Advanced training is also available for teenagers, which involves a session with a personal trainer. Zumba classes are an option for kids ages 7 to 11. Kids can participate in sports, too; the YMCA offers classes, leagues and clinics for sports including basketball, racquetball and martial arts. Teen nights are also sure to get older kids moving, with group activities, music and socializing.
As well as a variety of classes and options to keep kids busy while their parents work out, families can participate in activities together. Swimming, racquetball, open gym and family gym night are sure to bring the family together for active fun.
“It’s definitely important for [kids] to learn a healthy lifestyle at an early age,” Fox says. “It doesn’t really matter what time of the year, and at the Y we give opportunities for that.” There’s never a dull moment at the YMCA, even in February.
