YMCA offers 'Girls on the Move' program
Pre-teen and teen girls keen on being healthy and fit might be interested in a new Lake County Family YMCA program, Girls on the Move.
“This program is designed to educate adolescent girls about health, wellness and making better choices for a healthier future,” Y instructor Mayra Galindo said. “We'll focus on strength, agility, core fitness and nutrition.”
The six-week program for girls age 10 through 15 also will include a before-and-after fitness assessment.
Galindo will teach the program in both English and Spanish. She said that children frequently learn something and bring new information to their parents. For example, using canola or olive oil is a healthier choice than corn oil.
“I just love to help. If I can make a difference in one child, that means the world to me. If I teach a child some healthy living tips, she can teach her mom. The girl feels good and the mom feels great as there is a common bond the learning has created.”
Herself a mom to a 10-year-old daughter, Galindo noted that girls in that age range have a lot of questions. She said that teachers are often so busy and that girls sometimes want to ask another adult, say an aunt, a question.
Galindo added that girls in the program will learn about self respect, nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. They also will learn proper form and techniques for different exercises, as well as what exercises work different muscle groups. In addition, how to check your heart rate and Body Mass Index will be taught. Workouts will be both on land and in the water.
“If you want to feel good, you have to take care of your body. If you don't put gas in your car, how far will it get you?” Galindo said.
Registration for Girls on the Move begins May 23. Cost is $60. Class will meet from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the Northern Lake YMCA, 2000 Western Ave., Waukegan. For more information call the Y at 847 360-9622.
The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. It was founded in 1892 and is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.