As the new year kicks off, many of us parents make health-related resolutions. We plan to lose weight, get in shape, eat healthier, drink more water (sound familiar?). But what about the kids? Did you know that kids need 1 hour a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity and that the national obesity rate of children and adolescents is at 18.5% (that is over 13 million kids!)? (source and source) The good news is that the YMCA here in Wilmington has some fabulous programs in place to help keep your children healthy and physically fit.

I popped into the YMCA Express location on a cold December afternoon to watch the Kids Cardio & Pump class. While primarily developed for kids in the afterschool program, this class was open to any and all kids interested. Boys and girls over the age of 8 came together under the watchful eyes of Chris Musgrove (whom they call “Coach”).

Musgrove has been instructing kids at the YMCA for a year a half. After seven years in the Army, he began a career in fitness in Pinehurst. When he moved to Wilmington and was asked to take on the kids class, it was a natural fit. Musgrove also coaches the youth swim team.

“I love the influence I can have on [these kids’] lives,” Musgrove said. “Some have a challenging home life but we work together in the class. We don’t give up and we don’t quit. It’s about teamwork.”

Indeed, it is. While the kids were given high-intensity cardio moves (the first challenge of the class was a pyramid set involving burpees and squats), they all completed it, sweating, red-faced and smiling. There was an excitement in the gym air and the kids seemed to love the opportunity to see what they could do.

As Musgrove coached and afterschool counselor Brett Blanks (a favorite with the kids) motivated, each particpant made it through the challenges at their own pace. And when one was behind the others, moving by himself to complete the set, two classmates came to join him, offering encouragement and camaraderie.

All exercises are appropriate for children and Musgrove shared that it is unusual for the class to use weights. (The YMCA does, however, offer the opportunity for children over 13 to work with a trainer to learn to use weights and other floor equipment.)

The YMCA also offers Kids Zumba, Youth Cycle, and Kids Yoga & Boot Camp (that kids of nearly any age can do, with or without parents). Put those together with the dynamic swim program, afterschool activities, recreation opportunities for sports such as tennis and soccer, as well as Girls on the Run, the Beach Dash in March, the Summer Kids Triathlon, and Healthy Kids Day (all events offered by the YMCA), and it is clear that their commitment to families is genuine and thorough.

“We really work to develop youth and instill healthy habits,” Aileen Sutton, Healthy Living Director said. “We have a three-tier commitment to social responsibility, healthy living, and youth development. We want kids to feel comfortable in their own skin and have a solid foundation of movement.”

As the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina begins operations in their renovated facility on Market Street, the Nir Family YMCA, they are ready to grow their programs even more. Coming soon, Sutton shared, is an evidence-based 16-week program called “Healthy Weight and Your Child.” This will be part of a care plan and will help children ages 7-13 with a BMI of over 95% make lifestyle changes.

The bigger and updated facility on Market offers a plethora of opportunities for the YMCA and families. Sutton’s plan is to have a kids fitness class every day of the week.

“Kids can’t play outside like they used to,” Sutton said. “And it is our job to evolve. We have to offer alternatives inside that provide for the mental, emotional and physical development of kids.”

When asked why what he does matters, Musgrove looks at me as though the answer is obvious. “There is a difference between activity and exercise,” Musgrove explained. “Exercise is planned and structured. And kids need both.”

It is certainly clear that the YMCA has something for everyone. So as your family sets resolutions for 2019, consider whole-family fitness and check out the YMCA.

Learn more about the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina by visiting www.ymcasenc.org.

A schedule of all kids classes can be found online at www.ymcasenc.org/programs/kids-family-fitness.

The Nir Family YMCA is located at
2710 Market Street
Wilmington, NC
910-251-8196