Marshall Democrat-News: Local News: Fun and exercise find good balance in YMCA fit zone (12/04/08)

Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News Kyle Webber, left, and Lauren McComas, right, use the exercise machines just their size in the new Kids Fit Zone at Salt Fork YMCA.
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Lisa McComas started as the YMCA's Wellness Director in May, and she lost no time in implementing her pet project, the Kids Fit Zone, which has been open since September.

With a Buckner Foundation grant and additional funding from ConAgra, the YMCA was able to create a special room with workout equipment just the right size for kids. Adjacent to the room of brightly colored machines is a place for virtual exercise, equipped with two Nintendo Wii Fit game systems.

"Childhood obesity is on the rise," McComas said, and her goal is to "try to get kids more active, teach them healthy lifestyles."

Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News Lauren McComas, left, and Will Raines, right, use the Wii Fit game systems, which are part of the Kids Fit Zone at the YMCA. The machines have yoga, balance, strength and aerobic programs, which can be played after a child uses the exercise machines in the Zone.
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About 20 children use the room every day it's open (Monday through Thursday 3 to 7 p.m.), McComas said. Sometimes kids even have to share the Wiis.

"It's exciting to see kids enthusiastic about exercise," she said. "It's been great."

Kids must be at least 7 years old to use the Fit Zone, and they must complete an orientation before using the equipment. Also, they have to make the circuit of the machines before using the Wiis, which have yoga, strength, balance and aerobic programs.

McComas sees a change since the new addition.

"It's made a difference," she said. "Kids are wanting to come to the Y … there's something for them to do." And, "they're proud of the fact they're working out."

Early next year, the YMCA will have another addition to its Kids Fit Zone: a rock-climbing wall. It will be on one wall of the gymnasium and available to both kids and adults.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net

I still would have to say after visiting another YMCA with less than 8,000 people in the town we are still WAY behind. The ideas and access to the new technology is available to anybody. Are we just short money? Will our YMCA make it? Or will it get "run into the ground" That's a comment an individual at our YMCA had to say about a former employee who took another job elsewhere. Great start to improve our YMCA.... But I don't see this town catching up to the others.

-- Posted by local-A-rod on Fri, Dec 5, 2008, at 7:54 AM

Response by Eric Crump/Editor:

Would you be interested in talking to a reporter about what other YMCA facilities have that ours doesn't? If you could cite specific facilities, that would help. We could do some comparisons. Call 660-886-2233 or marshalleditor@socket.net if you'd like to talk about this more.