Kids’ fitness classes offered

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This article was published 08/07/2014 (4149 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A local gym is looking to keep kids in shape for the summer months.

Starke Strength and Conditioning (formerly known as Creative Conditioning) at 970 Brazier St. is hosting a young athletes performance camp when students are out of school.

The first camp began June 30 and will run through the end of July, while a second session is slated for August.

Owner Paul Dyck is concerned after speaking with some other camp operators in the area that there isn’t enough focus on specific strengths and skill sets, which is something he emphasizes as part of his regimen.

“They had mentioned that they were doing hockey camps or specific sport camps and parents would just throw their money at you even if you just get the kids to run around for an hour because the kid’s tired,” he recalled. “They’re paying for skill work, and if the kid’s running around, of course they’re going to be tired, but the last thing you want for a hockey player or soccer player is for them to run more.”

Dyck, 33, has worked for years with young athletes in various sports ranging from hockey to volleyball, and has seen growth in the athletes’ abilities. He added safety is always a top priority when running any class.

“We’ve had some great success with kids who have just been in our general group classes,” Dyck said. “They’re extremely dedicated. It’s cool to see how determined they are and how much they want to pay attention to form and technique, so we thought we should do some kids’ camps.”

Dyck, a West Kildonan resident, explained there are several similarities to an adult class in terms of content, though the presentation and exercises are made to kids at their level. He said camps are appropriate for children aged 10 to 17.

“If they can’t control what their body is doing, then we’re not going to hand them weights to deal with. We have things like PVC pipes. We have some very, very light kettlebells, dumbbells,” Dyck explained. “Even going through the range of motion without weight is sometimes a better idea until they get the movement pattern down.”

The gym just passed its two-year anniversary in the location, and Dyck said he’s been looking around the neighbourhood for a spot with a greater capacity.

Those looking for more information can visit www.starkestrength.com, and those looking to register for the August course can contact Dyck at 204-421-8801. The course is $250 for the month.

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