Pitt-Bradford and Bradford Family YMCA start kids' fitness program

BRADFORD, PA – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s health and physical education program is working with the Bradford Family YMCA to provide a new youth fitness program.

The program, Kids in the Community, is being offered to YMCA members in grades 3 through 8 from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays at the YMCA. It is designed for students with an above-average body mass index who are at risk for obesity.

Dr. Shelly Klinek, visiting assistant professor of health and physical education, and Chris Sherwin, YMCA youth and sports coordinator, will run the program with the help of health and physical education students from Pitt-Bradford.

The program incorporates fun, fitness games, information, and activities that raise awareness to families and children about their overall health.

Klinek developed a similar program for the New Castle YMCA when she was a member of the faculty at Slippery Rock University.

“This was a fantastic and successful after-school program,” Klinek said. “I wanted to bring this program to Pitt-Bradford and Bradford.”

Klinek has more than 25 years of experience teaching health and physical education and has done research in brain-based learning and movement.

Sherwin said, “I think it’s great that the Y and Pitt-Bradford can work together. The Pitt-Bradford students have done a great job working with the kids.”

The program began Sept. 12, but kids can still join by having their parents contact Sherwin at the YMCA at (814)368-6101 or csherwin@bradfordymca.org.