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THE CITIZEN | OCTOBER 2019
Getting Fit and Staying Active By Brenda Sawatzky m
FOR ADULTS
bsawatzky@nivervillecitizen.com
FOR KIDS
Just like adults, kids need to stay active. The difference is that kids are usually quite willing to participate if Mom or Dad is willing to arrange it. Before driving your children to organized activities in Winnipeg, take a look at the wide range of fun programming close to home. Save the time, save the gas, and invest in your local community. Ritchot. As the Director of Recreation Services for the RM of Ritchot, it’s Amber Mamchuk’s job to keep your kids active right here at home. “According to the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, only 35 percent of children ages five to 17 years are meeting the recommended physical activity levels set by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology,” Mamchuk says. “These staggering stats are due, in large part, to time spent on devices and in front of screens.” Moderate to vigorous physical activity, she says, isn’t just about muscle tone and strength. It also contributes to better brain health. “When children meet the recommended amount of physical activity, they tend to score higher on tests, participate better in class, have better problem-solving capabilities, and higher self-confidence.” As well, studies show a strong correlation between physical activity and a reduction of the symptoms
D DEPOSITPHOTOS
of depression, anxiety, and stress. And because parents need to model physically active lifestyles for kids from a young age, Mamchuk puts a lot of emphasis on programming that includes the parent and child together. Shake, Rattle and Roll provides toddlers and their parents a time of shared physical activity. You’ll find it in Île-des-Chênes on Monday nights at the TransCanada Centre, and at École St. Adolphe School on Wednesdays at from 5:45–6:45 p.m. A wide variety of physical activities are available for children and youth all over the municipality, including gymnastics and stunting, fitness kickboxing, karate, taekwondo, lacrosse, and youth badminton. Of course, it wouldn’t be rural Manitoba without minor hockey, ringette, and skate club.
Niverville. Angela Janz is the recreation programmer for the Town of Niverville, and she says the town recognizes the importance of keeping kids physically active. Her department makes every effort to provide as many free or low-cost options as possible for kids and families. Every winter, free public skating at the arena’s indoor and outdoor rinks provides opportunities for families to stay active together. Inside the arena’s south end, you’ll find the Niverville Happy Kidz Stay and Play on alternating Thursday mornings as well as Toddler Shenanigans, which provides little ones with the chance to explore and experience the world through messy play, on Saturday mornings from October to December. Tot Gymnastics focuses on games
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and basic gymnastic skills on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Saturdays, Sports Clubs for Young Children is where three to six-year-olds can discover the thrill of organized sport in a fun, positive, and affirming atmosphere. Youth curling begins at the Niverville Curling Club in January and taekwondo is available at the Golden Friendship Circle on Monday and Thursday nights. Move ‘n’ Groove, a program run by local parents, provides opportunities for physical activities and socializing for children who live with disabilities. The times and locations change, so check out their Facebook page for details. With the addition of minor hockey, ringette, and skating club, there’s no shortage of options to keep your kids active this winter.
We all know the health benefits that come from physical activity. It combats weight gain and disease, provides an energy boost, helps bring down stress levels, and promotes better sleep. But when work, family, and household duties all vie for our limited time, squeezing in another thing is difficult. At some point, we just need to ask ourselves, “Am I worth it?” If you agree that some healthy me-time is overdue, look no further. There are plenty of options to fit every activity preference. ShopGym. ShopGym, located at 1789 Main Street Niverville, offers a wide range of classes including group strength and conditioning, S h o p G y m K i d s, b o o t c a m p s, kettlebell, and a Silvers classes for seniors. They’re open seven days a week with hours that vary between 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. They also provide open gym time for those who want to use the workout equipment independently. On-site equipment includes a 30-foot monster rig, free weights and bumper plates, strongman equipment, and ninja implements. New this year is a spin class that uses stationary bikes to provide a full cardio workout, and it’s appropriate for all fitness levels in 30-, 40- or 50-minute time increments. (continued on page 26)
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