Pocono News Section

Healthy Kids Grow into Healthy Adults

Healthy Kids Grow into Healthy Adults - Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 5:15PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Tuesday, Sep 1, 2009 @ 05:15pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - It's week six of an eight week fitness challenge. Laurie Monteforte of WBRE and Melanie Vanderveer of the Pocono Record are raising money and awareness for the Pocono Family YMCA. So far both ladies are seeing results and they're learning the Y can help the whole family get fit.

When fitness bounces into a kid's life, it could help him score good health as an adult. YMCA Fitness Director Dorinda Daley said, "In today's society children being overweight and with obesity is a really big problem."

Sports Director Brent Damboise added, "A lot of kids are sitting home playing video games." But not every kid. Zachary Konopa is 12 years old. He plays real games at the Pocono Family YMCA. He said, "I think it's very fun."

The YMCA organizes children's sports and strength training activities. Kids 12 and older can participate in a Teen Strength Training Course. It's a three week course. Daley explained, "They can learn about resistance training. They can build muscle. They can feel better about themselves."

Personal Trainer Donna Percia teaches the class twice a week. She said, "It's very important for them to learn the proper technique so they don't injure themselves. That's the most important."

Zachary said, "I think she's a good instructor!"

Good instructors, helping kids grow stronger and healthier at the Pocono Family YMCA. Damboise said, "We want to make fitness fun. We don't want to make it something that's a chore, something that's work."

You can kick off a fitness program for your entire family at the Yfit Media Challenge Adventure. It's September 20th at Stroudsburg High School. The event begins at 10 a. m. For every lap someone walks or runs around the track, Pocono Raceway will donate 50 cents.

Teen Strength Training cost $30 for members and $70 for non members.

For more information call 570-41-2525.