By Susan Redden
sredden@joplinglobe.com
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Starting Monday, youths at the Fair Acres Family YMCA can work out in their own “prime time.”
Orientations will start Monday on youth-sized circuit equipment that youngsters can use the same time their parents are working out on the larger version, according to Dana Redburn, membership and fitness director.
She said the equipment will fill a void created during the 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “prime times” when the fitness center is filled with adults working out, and kids aren’t allowed in.
“Unless kids were involved in youth sports, they were being told to go to the game room, where all they have to do is a very sedentary game of pool,” she said. “That’s where the vending machines are, so it was like saying ‘go sit around, and grab some chips and pop, while we get healthy,’” she said.
She said the equipment is sized for youngsters and the weights increase in 2.5-pound increments, rather than 10 to 15 pounds on much adult equipment.
“It will work well for kids and anyone with a small frame, also for other people or people who are having trouble with arthritis,” Redburn added.
While adults will be allowed to use the equipment, during prime time it will be “kids only,” she said.
“So many times, families come to the Y together; this will give everyone an equal opportunity to get healthy,” she said.
About 950 families, many with at least one or two children, are members of the organization.
The equipment is being stationed in a “kids’ zone,” right outside her office.
“There’s a treadmill, so they can do a total body workout, and warm up, and cool down, too,” she said.
Redburn said she had done a few orientations on the equipment Friday, and that she expected to spend all day Monday demonstrating its use to youngsters.
Place, time
The Y is located at 2600 S. Grand Ave. in Carthage. Hours of operation are 5:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
