Beware – here they come – the winter blues, the cold weather doldrums, and the ‘I’m bored’ whines from the kids.
No matter what you call it, as the cold weather sets in, we become more sedentary. Then, as the New Year approaches we make the resolution to get more active, do something new, expand our horizons.
How about staying active, taking a fun or educational class, or learning a hobby this winter?
And find something fun to do to get ready for the holidays. It will set a great example for your kids, give you some nice family time, and you’ll be sailing into the New Year without having to make the clichéd resolutions.
Try the Y
The YMCA is a great place not just to stay active but to learn too. Some classes are offered as after school programs either at the Y or at a local school. Call your area YMCA or visit wwwymcasouthcoast.org for a class schedule.
The Y offers a number of fitness classes – spinning, zumba, pilates, yoga, all things cardio and instructional classes like basketball, swimming and proper weight lifting techniques. They also have preschool programs such as Mommy/daddy and Me swimming, art classes and ways to give your little one a jump start in school by making science fun.
The Silly Science enrichment program gives participants the chance to listen to animal sounds, read books about the ocean, and create volcanoes all through hands on experiments.
Youth and Government clubs give middle and high school students to chance to become involved in projects that relate to civic duties or service learning based locally and internationally.
Maybe your tween or teen can try the survival challenge enrichment program and have their own go at “Survivor” YMCA style. This class offers students a chance to experiment with both indoor and outdoor survival strategies, fort building and knot tying.
The youth and teen circuit orientation is a great way for youngsters to learn the basics of weight training and proper technique alone with the rules and etiquette of a wellness center.
Sports Specific Training is a tailored strength and conditioning program for a specific team sport. It’s good for pre-season, in-season, or postseason conditioning for your specific sport.
For young readers, try the Kindle Club Junior Enrichment Program. It’s a new approach that offers a book club experience while getting children accustomed to using modern technology in a safe, educational and fun way.
The photography club enrichment program teaches kids all about photography and different ways to take pictures. By the end of the program, students will have learned how to put together their own portfolio.
Climb at Carabiner’s
Rock climbing is a great activity indoors or out. New Bedford is host to a great indoor venue, Carabiner’s Indoor Climbing. Carabiner's offers three types of indoor rock climbing on walls ranging from 15 to 65 feet high.
Climbing holds are arranged in routes creating a variety of interesting climbing for climbers of nearly any age or ability. Carabiner’s even changes the routes to keep things interesting for repeat clients and members.
Top rope climbing is ideal for beginners and can be made more challenging for advanced climbers. Climbers wear safety harnesses and are ‘belayed’ with climbing ropes on walls ranging from 15-65 feet in height. Top rope climbing requires a certified ‘belayer’ who controls the rope keeping the slack to a minimum, catches any falls, and lowers the climber down the wall.
Bouldering is the simplest form of climbing but the terrain can be difficult. It involves climbing without a rope on shorter walls over padded flooring and gymnastic pads. No certification or appointment is required, just a quick orientation to bouldering safety. All children must be supervised by an adult.
Continue Reading in the November South Coast Insider
