Kids need enough exercise to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Exercise helps support a healthy heart, builds and maintains bone mass and muscles and keeps weight under control. Fitness activities can also help improve self-esteem and reduce stress. According to the American Association of Pediatrics, kids 3- 5 years old need to be physically active at least three hours a day. For kids in this age group, physical activities also help support the development of motor skills. School-aged kids from 6 years to 17 years need about an hour of vigorous exercise a day.
It can feel challenging to find enough fun fitness activities that will help your kids meet these goals, especially if your child does not enjoy organized sports or is in between sports seasons. Here are a few local activities that can add variety to your child’s weekly fitness routine.
Impact Performance RX
706-984-8150
They offer comprehensive performance training for kids 6 to adults, regardless of athletic ability. They provide training in speed, strength, balance, coordination, injury prevention and confidence. They offer three youth memberships: ‘Jumpstart’ for ages 6-8 for classes up to twice a week, ‘JV’ for ages 9-13 and ‘Varsity’ for ages 14-18, both with up to 6 classes a week. They also recently started Georgia Hoots, a youth developmental baseball and softball league to help bridge the gap between little league and travel ball teams by providing more in-depth training and intramural play.
Performance Dance Centre
706-563-4255
They offer acrobatics and a new aerial arts program in addition to their traditional dance programs and summer camps. The aerial arts program is open to kids 6 and up with classes on aerial silks, hammock and lyra (hoop). The acrobatics program is open to kids 5 and up and teaches the five divisions in acrobatics: flexibility, strength, balancing, limbering and tumbling. Classes are offered by level of difficulty, from beginner to advanced. Student safety is a priority for all their programs.
Treadstone Climbing Gym
treadstoneclimbing.com | 706-507-7625
They offer Ninja fitness, rock-climbing classes, competition climbing teams, plus aerial arts classes. The aerial silks classes are for all skill levels and begin at age 5 to adult. This is a great opportunity for parents and kids to participate together in aerial silks. They also offer a summer camp that runs all week long and includes climbing and ninja fitness training.
Yoga at Just Breathe for Kids Studio
They are offering a summer camp June 7-11 at the Columbus Botanical Gardens for a week of yoga, mindful movement and thoughtful crafts. They will also be offering kids yoga private summer lessons and in-person weekly classes in the fall. Online kids’ yoga sessions are also available. Their kids’ classes focus on practicing the ancient traditions of yoga, breathing mantras and techniques, mindfulness games, songs and activities, connection to self and each other.
YMCA
columbusymca.com | 706-322-8269
With three locations to serve area families, they have a variety of activities for kids to exert their energy including their week-long summer camp. Kids ages 10 and up can participate in their non-equipment group classes such as yoga with their parents, and then at age 15 can participate in equipment-based classes or work out independently in their facilities. The Thayer branch has an indoor track that kids can walk or run with their parents, and the Turner location has an outdoor track which allows the same. The branch pools are also open for kids to utilize a lane or open swim if accompanied by a parent. The YMCA also offers swimming lessons in addition to their seasonal youth sports teams.
