Lift for Life Gym
[sws_picture_frame2 src=”https://breakroomconcerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Live.jpg” title=”” alt=”” align=”sws_frame_left” lightbox=”” album=”album” video=””] [/sws_picture_frame2] Since it opened in 1988, the Gym has meant much more to its young members than a place to work out. For kids living in city neighborhoods, the Gym becomes a haven and a second home. At the Gym, kids can get a nutritious meal, do their homework, see friends and get healthy exercise. They celebrate their birthdays and receive gifts at monthly birthday parties. They can earn Gym “dollars” for good behavior and for helping out, which they can redeem for snacks, movie tickets and special field trips.
While the Gym offers a variety of activities, including computer classes, weightlifting is a central focus of the program. The sport helps children learn the importance of working hard and setting personal goals. More and more girls are participating – and winning medals in tournaments around the country! But, no matter whether kids decide to compete or even lift weights; the Gym staff is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment in which the children can get healthy exercise and have fun – all year round and free of charge.
In the past year, we’ve focused on the nutritional and health needs of the children who come to the Gym. Many of the children who attend the Gym know virtually nothing about nutrition; many exist on snacks, fast food, or pre-packaged foods that lack adequate nutrition. Some children would be considered obese. The Gym is working to address these issues by providing balanced, nutritious dinners three nights a week. We have also instituted a pilot program, “Weight for Me,” to teach children considered to be at risk for obesity the importance of healthy eating, regular physical activity and positive behavior.
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