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ESCANABA -- 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, you had to be 14 years old to use the fitness center. That's been lowered to 12 and 13 year olds now being able to use it. These younger kids will have to attend a youth orientation, take a test, and get familiar 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, 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," said Amy Racine, Health & Wellness coordinator.

Twelve and 13 year olds can use the center with parent supervision on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:30 until 5 p.m. without parental supervision.