You’ve made the New Year’s resolution to get fit. Now enlist your family to help you. For kids, working out is often fun. Take a tip from the younger members of your crew and get moving…and smiling.
Momentum Female Fitness: Putting the “Power” in Girl Power
At Momentum Female Fitness in Mechanicsburg, the focus is on fun. In addition to being a full workout facility, over 100 classes are offered weekly. Owner Leighann Moll is dedicated to making sure that everyone, women and children, is welcome and inspired. “The atmosphere at Momentum is so different than most gyms as there is an underlying ‘you go, girl’ attitude built into our members’ psyche. Everyone is very supportive of those who are new and just getting started,” says Moll. Momentum caters not only to women, but also to the special people in their lives. Children ages 2 to 18 can participate in a multitude of classes, some where they can workout side-by-side with their mothers. Child care is offered for children starting at 6 weeks of age. A “Men’s Night” is offered twice a year where sons, husbands and boyfriends are invited to work out with the special women in their lives.
Momentum Female Fitness:
717-737-6362 or visit
www.momentumfit.com
Lives in Balance Gym: Classes for Kids and Adults
Located in Willow Street, Lives in Balance Gym is a class-focused fitness facility catering to all ages. Children can register for classes that get them hopping, bopping and learning how to take turns in a group setting starting at just 33 months of age. Classes for school-aged children can help develop gymnastic skills and more. Although the gym does not offer open workouts, strength and toning classes for parents and teens are offered on a regular basis. Even those with limitations are encouraged to participate and do what they can. Programs are offered throughout the day for parents and younger children; afterschool and evening classes are available for school-aged and older children. Personal training is also available.
Lives in Balance Gym:
Call 717-464-0404 or visit
www.livesinbalancegym.com
for more info.
Mobile Mommy Fitness: Join a Class or Start Your Own
Mobile Mommy Fitness is not your average gym, but it still offers the benefits of a family-friendly fitness facility at its various locations. Kristie Starrett founded Mobile Mommy Fitness in 2003 to help moms and their families get in shape by fostering a love of fitness. As a mother with professional experience in aquatics, health care, Pilates and yoga instruction, Starrett is able to get mother and child moving with her enthusiasm and knowledge. All but one class offered by Mobile Mommy gets young children involved in the workout. Sessions like Baby Yoga and Wheelies allow moms with very young children to work out without leaving baby elsewhere as they are an integral part of the workout. Multi-age Parent/Child Yoga sessions offer opportunities to get fit with your 2 to 12-year-old children. Each new participant is offered a free one-class pass to see if Mobile Mommy is for them. Classes are held throughout the Harrisburg area, but moms can also start a class in their own area. Private personal training is also available for individuals or small groups in your home or public setting.
Mobile Mommy Fitness: 717-805-2985
or visit www.mobilemommyfitness.com
YMCA: Fun for All
The YMCA remains a community staple by providing all the resources for family-friendly fitness, often in one location. YMCAs across Central Pennsylvania offer a variety of programs and open gym time for all ages and abilities. For adults, everything from personal training, Pilates and cardio classes are offered. Senior citizens may take fitness classes catered to their needs or join the Active Older Adults Club. While parents enjoy a work out, children can benefit from specialized programs like Kids Kardio and gymnastics. Child care is also offered at some branches. YMCA pool facilities offer open swim, lap swim and classes for all ages; some swim lessons allow parents to participate with their children. For families interested in getting into shape together, certain branches offer a “Get Fit as a Family” program to help provide motivation and tools to get families into shape.
YMCA: Visit www.ymca.net to find a YMCA closest to you.
Alyssa Lehman is a freelance writer from Carlisle.
Before You Sign Up
*Where are the facilities located? The closer the facilities, the more likely you are to go.
*What services are included in the membership? Is child care offered? Do classes cost extra money? Can you use your membership at other locations
*What is the cancellation policy? Trial or pay-per-visit memberships are a good way to test-drive a facility before committing.
*Do facility and class hours fit your schedule? If your schedule varies, a 24-hour facility will probably be your best bet.
*Is the staff qualified and friendly? You want your workout to be as pleasant and productive as possible.
*How clean is the facility? Be sure the equipment, locker rooms and common areas are up to your standards.