YOUTH PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

A major part of our mission at Medwest Health & Fitness Center is extending the benefits, energy, and positive experiences gained by an active lifestyle to the next generation of exercisers, our youth.  Through programming that combines fun activities and games, with many of the same exercise philosophies as those presented to our adult members, we make fitness fun.  It is our hope that introducing our young members to sports, exercising, and other active choices will form hobbies and pastimes, thus promoting less-sedentary lifestyles.  

AGE-SPECIFIC RULES & POLICIES OF
MEDWEST HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER

At MedWest Health & Fitness Center, all persons 13 and younger must be accompanied in the facility by an adult at all times. As members, age 14 and above may stay in the facility unattended. Visitors/non-members ages 14 to 17 seeking entry on a daily or weekly basis must be initially signed in by a parent or legal guardian, but may then remain in facility unattended.

Age-based facility policies as they apply to particular areas:
•    Locker Rooms — Participants must be 14 years or older for sauna and steam room usage
•    Aquatics Area — Participants must be 8 years old or older to be in the pool area without a parent or guardian and must have proficient swimming skills. Main pool may be used for recreational activities any time other than marked group fitness classes (please see monthly pool schedule for specifics).  Participants must be 14 years of age or older to utilize the therapy pool and lap lanes.
•    Gymnasium — Any time the gymnasium does not have a scheduled program, youth may check out a basketball or other equipment for usage. Non-marking tennis shoes must be worn.
•    Racquetball Courts — Reservations are made at the front desk and will ensure court availability. Must be 12 years old or older, unless accompanied by an adult.
•    Second Floor Exercise Area — Exercisers must be 12 years of age or older to utilize the indoor track (track runners are to stay to the outside, while walkers stay to the inside). Participants must be 14 years of age or older to utilize strength and cardiovascular equipment.
•    Group Fitness Classes – Participants must be fourteen years of age or older in order to attend group fitness courses.  

Programs for the Kids

Gymnastics:
Ages 6 to 16 can learn the fine art of gymnastics. Class includes tumbling, balance beam, vaulting and bars. Levels are mixed in the class, unless otherwise specified by the instructor. Member and non-member monthly registration for this program at the front desk.

Kidz Korner:
Designed for both parent and child from birth to 3 years of age to work, play and interact together and also with others. Members, if your child is under 4 years of age you can sign them as a member for FREE. Paperwork required. Non-family member or non-member fee is $20, plus $2 for each additional child. Register at the front desk.

Youth Fitness:
Why should adults be the only ones with access to the fitness industry’s latest trends? Our trainers turn fitness into fun, for our youngest members. Youth Fitness serves up fitness through a multitude of workout mediums to gym rats-to-be, ages 8 to 13. Activities include cardiovascular training, functional training, circuit workouts, introduction to aerobic equipment, and even light resistance and power training. Participants can expect to see reductions in body fat, enhancement in sports performance, and increased aerobic and strength capacities. Youth Fitness is offered twice per week, Monday and Thursday evenings, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This program is FREE TO MEMBERS, and $20 per month for non-members. Non-member punch card holders may also attend the Flagship Swim Club, at no additional cost. The swim club meets every Friday, 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.

Tiny Tigers:
Our most popular class for youngsters ages 3 to 6 has expanded due to popular demand! TT-TKD now is offered twice per week: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm. TT-TKD puts the endless energy of our youngest participants to good use! Tiny Tigers students learn elementary TKD techniques, along with high-octane fun and games, and even safety and wellness tips for better every-day living. FREE TO MEMBERS/$20 per month for non-members.

Classical Ballet:
(Ages 4 to 6) This class focuses on beginning ballet movements to classical music exploring the dance concepts in a fun and engaging way, stimulating children's spontaneity and self-expression. It is a fun way for children to explore movement through music, develop physical skills, encourage imagination and release some energy. We work on flexibility, coordination skills and graceful movements. Students get accustomed to following directions from someone outside their family unit, as well as developing their socialization skills.  In a nurturing and playful atmosphere, children discover the joy of dance through the exploration of space, time and energy.  A variety of music and props are used to enhance the learning  experience.

Vaganova Ballet/Modern Dance:
(Ages 6 to 12)This class focuses on the basis of all dance forms. Students learn the basic technique that develops a well rounded and competent student. Classes include barre, center floor and combination work in both ballet and modern dance and will develop flexibility and strength that will help in other dance disciplines as well.  Repetitions of the exercises help build muscle memory and refine the lines of the body. Students continue to develop the basic modern dance concepts, focusing on the use of body weight in movement, lowering into and pushing out from the floor, and building longer phrases of movement together.  Increased levels of concentration, introductory composition, group work and cognitive development are emphasized.

Zumbatomic
Zumbatomic® is a specially designed class for children (ages 4 to 12) to encourage kids to develop a healthy lifestyle and to incorporate fitness as a natural part of their lives through dance, music and exercise. The Zumbatomic® program is not a mini-Zumba® adult class. It can last from 30 to 45 minutes and incorporates rhythm reviews (info on how to do basic steps and its background), dance choreography, games, and performance to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits as well as developing leadership, respect, team work, pride, confidence, and responsibility.
Free to Members, $20 per month for Public

Hip Hop Fit:
The ever popular Hip Hop dance offers kids a non-intimidating approach to rhythm and choreography. The class is broken down in a way that kids can understand. Expect great music! Loose athletic clothes and tennis shoes recommended.
Free to Members, $20 per month for Public

Youth Cycle:
Make it a family affair—parents are welcome to join in on this youth-oriented interpretation of a classic group fitness staple. Expect an intense cardio session, led by a professional, certified spin instructor.
Free to Members, $20 per month for Public

Aquatics Area:
Please check the aquatics schedule for open swim times. There is no open swim while scheduled classes are in session.

Youth program offerings are based on participation and at times are seasonal. Programs are evaluated every eight weeks.