Arizona YMCAs Target Preteen Obesity

CHANDLER, AZ -- Every YMCA branch in Arizona’s Valley now offers kid-sized hydraulic equipment and fitness programs for children aged 5 to 13 years old. A pilot program began in Mesa, AZ, more than a year ago, and because the program was such a success, the YMCA is investing in updated children’s exercise equipment for all the Y branches in the Valley over the next few months. The Copper Basin Y began the children’s class two months ago with three children, and now the Y offers two classes per week with 12 children for each session. The YMCA plans to continue to focus even more on getting kids active at a younger age and tackling the childhood obesity issue, said Mike Snitz, marketing director for the Valley of the Sun YMCA.