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New YMCA equipment gets kids moving
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Walking into the track area at the Ed Thomas YMCA, the sound of the treadmills rolling and the stationary bicycles spinning still can be heard. But there is something new, which cannot be missed.
The YMCA's Kid'z Zone area is up and running and - judging by the activity level -- very popular with kids of all ages.
The addition of the Kid'z Zone is part of the Fitness Renovation Project, which actually began years ago after approval from the YMCA Board of Directors. Included in that project was the renovation/addition of the weight room on the upper level and cardio center on the lower level. But also included in the plan was an activity area for kids. "Little did we know that this was going to be the hardest area to find suitable equipment," said YMCA Executive Director Mike Gonzales.
While the board was able to research and survey other YMCA's about what cardio and weight-lifting equipment was most popular and how that equipment held up under heavy use, the task of finding kid-friendly equipment was not as easy. "Most of the equipment was made for very small children or did not appear to be very sturdy," Gonzales said.
To make matters even more complicated, the board wanted the equipment to be completely interactive. "We didn't want video-game controllers that would only get their thumbs in shape, while the rest of their bodies did nothing," Gonzales said. "The ultimate goal of the project was to get the kids moving -- and to keep the kids moving."
In order to keep the kids moving, an activity area was sorely needed.
For those who don't remember, the cardio equipment was arranged around a carpeted square within the track area. When the carpeted area was not in use, the kids would play in the area - usually a rousing game of tag.
With the installation of five television sets on the east side of the room, the bikes, treadmills and ellipticals needed to be configured in a more user-friendly arrangement. This eliminated the carpeted square, leaving the kids without an area to freely play -- within view of their parents.
So a matted area under the TVs was designated as the Kid'z Zone and the equipment committee, consisting of Jeremy Shaw, Ken Allen, Colt Hosick, Michelle Gonzales and Mike Gonzales, began the long process of looking for equipment.
In the end, they settled on the familiar, including interactive video games, as well as the unknown, such as the light floor and a jump box system.
Greeting YMCA members when they walk into the track area is the 10-foot by 10-foot light space floor. The bright, blinking floor includes eight games and five activities for the Y's youngest members. Depending upon the game, anywhere from one up to eight people can participate at a time; most games are designed for four people.
Next in line are two Xbox 360 game systems with Kinect, which does not need a hand-held controller to operate. The player's body controls the game system, requiring the player to up and moving. As for games, Just Dance 4 and Sports 2 have proven to be the most popular -- for both boys and girls. Other games available include Sport 1, Wipe Out and Kinect Adventures.
Situated nearby is the JumpQ, which has five steps in a semi-circle with lights atop each step. Games on the JumpQ usually involve a light coming on, which requires the user to jump -- not step -- onto that level. The user just continues to jump onto the lit-up step for a set amount of time.
And rounding-out the Kid's Zone is the Three Kick, which has three poles attached to a base. Each pole has a target area with lights and a sound-system attached. When a section lights up and buzzes, the user strikes or kicks the proper target area. The game is scored on reaction time.
"The Kid'z Zone has been a big hit by kids of all ages," Gonzales said. "We have had some our 'life-experienced members' to some our youngest members using the new equipment. We've had moms and daughters dancing with the XBox. And we've had entire families playing dodge ball on the light floor."
He added, "We owe a big thanks to the YMCA Board of Directors for their dedication to improving the overall health of our community by approving the Fitness Renovation project and support of the Equipment Committee."
The project was financed through funding from Attorney General Jon Bruning's office, the McCook Community Foundation, the Lester and Helen Wolfe bequest and the Willard W. Troutine and Mildred H. Troutwine Memorial Gift.
Ultimately, the goal of the Board of Directors and the Equipment Committee was to add equipment which required participants to move. And so far, there is little sitting down by the kid's in the Kid'z Zone area -- except when they are too tired from playing.