Working out: at home or a gym

Whether it be a local gym or an in-home workout, there are so many choices it leaves little room for excuses. WIth cold weather quickly approaching, finding the right gym or the right in-home workout needs to begin now. “Memory retention and learning functions are all about brain cells actually changing, growing, and working better together. . . Exercise creates the best environment for that process to occur.” - Dr. John J. Ratey, Harvard Medical School, author of the book Spark.

Local Gyms

Ridley Sports Club (RSC), family owned and operated since 1986.  They offer more amenities than the large chains and say they provide the personalized service and attention that only a local hometown business can offer. 

• RSC has 3 WEIGHT ROOMS, providing those who are just starting out with a separate space from those more experienced with more challenging routines. Weight training should be a part of a teens’ training regiment. By age 20 most people have developed 90% the of bone strength they will build in their life time. Starting at a young age, under adult supervision, gives those growing bones an extra advantage. 
• The Life Fitness Strength Training Circuit Series, is a newer line of equipment, is easy to operate and extremely effective for individuals at any fitness level.  It delivers a total body workout in 30 minutes or less. Proper circuit training can significantly improve strength, endurance, body composition, and cardiovascular conditioning.
• RSC members are given a free fitness assessment and workout program which is updated periodically. Experiened staff is on site to show you how to use the equipment properly and help you design a routine for your fitness level and goals. 
• Personal Trainers are there to provide One-on-One Personal Training 

There are two types of youth memberships at RSC for those under the age of 18.  Both require proof of age and a parent’s co-signature. (ridleysportsclub.com)

• Junior Family Membership

• For 14 and 15 year olds
• Parent or guardian must be a RSC member
• Parent must co-sign
• Parent of guardian, or RSC personal trainer must accompany junior at all times while using facility (No more than 2 junior members per adult)

• Youth Membership

• For 16 to 18 year olds
• Parents do not have to be a RSC member
• Parent or guardian must co-sign
• Does not require parent/guardian to be present when using facility

Rocky Run YMCA in Media Pa. 

The YMCA provides a variety of health and wellness programs including exercise, water fitness classes, health and wellness seminars, educational classes, personalized training programs,multiple weight rooms and fitness classes, non-competitive youth and adult sports leagues. Check out the website to learn about Rocky Runs facelift and what it means for locals looking for a health and wellness facility.

• Youth & Teen Programs
• YMCA started a 7th Grade Membership program in January of 2010. Still going strong, the intention of this initiative is to promote the well-being of young adolescents at a time that is most crucial to the development of choices about healthy lifestyles. (www.philaymca.org) 
• School roster, School ID, or Report Card is needed to prove current enrollment as a 7th grader.
• Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

In-Home Workouts

If your are self-motivated, want to work out at-home, and own a computer or television, try a Beachbody workout or a EA Sports Active workout. Both options contain a workout designed specifically for young people. Any shape, size, or fitness level will be challenged with fun interactive material that will engage and hold their attention. 

• Get Real Cardi & Strength from Shaun T and Beachbody. The workout can be purchased through www.beachbody.com for only $19.95, plus shipping. The workout is broken into two components:

1. Cardio. Designed to get the body moving and burning calories with variation and great music.
2. Strength. Strength and conditioning for building or toning muscles and developing a well-rounded healthier body. This workout will help improve strenth, speed, balance and agility. All qualities necessary for sports and general health.

• Shaun T's Fit Kids Club workouts for kids ages 7 and up. Does your child like to dance? This dance wokrout will teach your child cool, new steps that will be so much fun they may forget they're exercising. Features 2 Workouts: (sportsunlimitedinc.com)

1. Groove it out.  Has cool dance steps like: The Hustle, We're Cool, Body Jam, Wind & Toss, Bounce & Swipe, and Basketball.  (25 minutes)
2. Cool Moves. Contains new, hot steps like: The Hey!, Snake It, Pound & Hop, Dust & Wave, and Smooth Groove. (25 minutes)

Is your son or daughter a serious video player?  Pop in a workout disc and suggest that if they want to continue playing the games they must also include time for a fun workout. There is a workout for all fitness levels and every platform, such as; Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii  or Microsoft’s Xbox? Suggestion:

EA SPORTS Active 2 (www.ea.com)

• Contains a Total Body Tracking feature. 
• Wireless control system powered by motion sensors in leg and arm straps that provide complete freedom of motion.
• It has a  heart rate monitor that provides constant on-screen monitoring, allowing users to catalog intensity and optimize performance over time.
• Users are able to track and share their workout data online through automatic uploading from their online connected console to their personalized EA SPORTS Active profile. 
• Platform. Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

There is no excuse for not having exercise a part of your life and your child’s. We have access to so many options at a gym or home, that taking at least thirty minutes out of a twenty-four day should not be dificult for anyone!