Encouraging younger kids to exercise
The Delta County YMCA assists youth in getting more involved in physical activity, but they've recently changed the age policy on using the fitness center.
Since 2000 the age to utilize the fitness center used to be 14. That was recently lowered to 12 and 13 year olds now being able to participate.
These younger kids will have to attend a youth orientation, take a test, and get familiarized on the equipment.
The Delta County YMCA made the change in order to give exercise opportunities to younger members of the community.
"A lot of teens nowadays don't have anywhere to go that's a healthy environment," said Health & Wellness Coordinator Amy Racine. "So a lot of them stay home and play video games and watch TV which is fine for a limited amount of time. Hopefully, if we can reach them at that point in their life, they'll be able to continue down a good, healthy path."
Twelve and thirteen year olds can use the center with parent supervision, and on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. without parental supervision.