So Many Options

KEEPING KIDS Active

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTO PROVIDED

Kids will need to find new ways to stay active this fall. Because more kids will be learning at home and schools are limiting or canceling sports this fall, making sure they are getting enough physical activity each day requires some creative solutions. “So many parents tell us their kids aren’t motivated to do anything when they stay at home,” said personal trainer Molly Morgoslepov. Fun at Home Working out in basements and backyards is always an option. “Anything can be used to promote movement,” said Morgoslepov. She recommends installing a door frame pull-up bar or peg board but said even something as simple as a length of rope – which can be used for hanging, climbing, or strung up as a balance beam – is great for developing fitness skills at home.

Hanging Out Safe ways to get exercise while being around other kids are also popping up. “We asked ourselves, ‘How can we help parents best during this uncertain time?’,” said Morgoslepov. The Saratoga Ninja Lab’s Ninja Hangouts are 2-hour structured sessions that include ninja training, free exercise, and study hall time. For homeschooling families, this complies with the state’s standards for physical education credit. Open to children ages 5 – 12, sessions are available 8 am – 10 am &10:30 am – 12:30 pm (Mon., Wed., Fri.), and 1 pm – 3 pm (Mon. & Wed.) 1 session/wk = $30 per session, 2 sessions/wk = $25 per session, 3 sessions/wk = $20 per session For a Half day (4.5 Hours) Ninja Hangout (from 8:00 - 12:30 pm or 10:30 - 3:00 pm) $50 per session. To register, call (518) 289-5942. For more information, go to www.saratoganinjalab.com

Outdoor Sports Open at the Saratoga YMCA A variety of outdoor youth sports for children ages 3 to 10 years old will be held outdoors at the Saratoga Springs YMCA branch. These include soccer, t-ball, flag football drills, basketball drills, and more. The fall sessions run August 30th - October 17th. Safety protocols have been put in place, and follow all CDC, as well as local and state health department guidelines to ensure a safe experience for participants. Register online at srymca.org For more information or if you have questions, contact Kristi Savage, Youth Sports Director, at kristi.savage@srymca.org.