Mahoning Valley Healthy Kids Coalition announces free fitness program

Weight-loss-related New Year’s resolutions apply to children, too. Children ages 7-15 are encouraged to check out a fun, non-competitive fitness initiative from the Mahoning Valley Healthy Kids Coalition that is free for families.

The Fitness Club and Fitness Lifestyle Challenge programs begin their first, six-week session of 2015 on Jan. 5 in Youngstown and Boardman, and Jan. 6 in Niles, and they’re accepting new participants who are interested in meeting their fitness goals.

“The two programs promote healthy fitness and eating habits, and safe, gradual weight loss through fun activities such as obstacle courses, rope jumping, relays, games, swimming and circuit training,” said Melody Case, youth fitness specialist, Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

The Fitness Club is open to all children ages 7-15 without a referral. The Fitness Lifestyle Challenge is for children with high BMI or diabetes-related diagnoses, and requires a referral form from a doctor or school nurse. Program participants meet two or three days per week for six weeks.

Participating locations include the Youngstown Central YMCA in downtown Youngstown, the Davis Family YMCA in Boardman and the Mayor Ralph A. Infante Wellness Center in Niles.

The Mahoning Valley Healthy Kids Coalition is a collaboration of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, Mahoning County Health Department, Trumbull County Health Department, Junior League of Youngstown, Warren-Trumbull County Public Library and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Funding for the programs comes from the William Swanston Charitable Fund, a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

For more information or to enroll in one of the programs, visit akronchildrens.org/healthykids or contact Case at 330-729-1391 or email mcase@chmca.org.