Program gives youth fitness a lift

Child Youth Services offers supervised fitness program for 13 to 15-year-olds at Wilson Sports and Fitness Center

Teenagers must be at least 16 to lift weights unsupervised at a fitness center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. For 13 to 15 year old teens, they must have an adult present in the weight room.

Child Youth and School Services provides that supervision with a fitness program that allows 13 to 15 year olds to work out at Wilson Sports and Fitness Center on Lewis North with a personal trainer for free. The trainer instructs teens on the proper technique to a safe and effective workout.

“It’s always crucial to have knowledge of what you’re doing in the gym, but especially at that age because there are a lot of changes going on in a youth’s body,” said Chris Chua, Child Youth Program Assistant and a certified youth personal trainer. “The workout program is definitely going to be different than that of an adult.”

The program is available Monday to Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The teens must be enrolled in CYSS and an initial health assessment is conducted for trainers to gather information on the client’s health and physical goals. The trainers show the teens around the gym and explain what they will learn. From there the teens are welcome to train with youth trainers as often as they would like.

“We usually focus on fitness and health more than anything,” Chua said. “There are certain exercises and weights they probably shouldn’t be handling. It’s a good time to start with habits and learning basics.”

Each training section lasts about an hour and begins with stretching and a warm-up. The trainer will then work with the teen on lifting weights, which varies depending on the client’s goals. The session also includes resistance and cardiovascular training.

The CYSS trainers want to make the program work for everyone and prefer to train individuals or small groups. They also work with small groups depending on the number of clients.

This is the program’s third year and is an ongoing program. Teens are welcome to start up at any time of the year.

For more information contact CYSS Sports and Fitness Director Cynthia Williams-Patnoe at c.williamspatnoe@us.army.mil.

Teen Fitness

Ages: 13 to 15 When: Monday-Friday 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Wilson Sports and Fitness Center Cost: Free