HUNTINGTON -- With running discouraged on school playgrounds and swing sets under fire, Tri-State children are finding fewer opportunities for physical fitness while data from a recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report says America's overweight kids are growing even fatter.

A new program at the Huntington YMCA hopes to turn some of that around.

"Fit For Life" is a new, 12-week program geared at youths age 8 to 17 with individualized weekly support, group meetings, monthly tracking by registered dietitians and exercise physiologists and fun, physical activities.

"This is something we've talked about for a long time with childhood obesity on the rise; we want to teach kids how to be active and what healthy eating is," said Christina Campbell, who co-directs the program with Mike Callanan.

"So many kids are playing video games. They're not outside like they used to be," Callanan said. "They're getting maybe one or two days maximum of P.E. class. With this program, we'll have them exercising and working out, and they won't even realize it."

An adult version of the program has met with a lot of success, helping to prompt the addition of a child-friendly offering.

"Twelve-year-olds and 40-year-olds together is out of place. We're not going to talk about the same things, but a lot of parents were asking about something for their kids, so this is what we came up with," Campbell said.

"Fit For Life" will feature twice-weekly meetings, fitness testing, monthly tracking of body composition and measurements, food journal feedback from a dietitian and group exercise and education classes. An additional 12-week course is available at the end of the program for those who wish to continue.

"We're not seeing a lot of health programs targeted toward kids and weight loss or getting fit," Campbell said. "This is ongoing and kids can sign up anytime.

"With the younger kids, we just want them to understand how to be healthy. With the older ones, we'll do a little more with proper form on lifting weights and knowing the health risks involved in their choices."

Flyers about the program have been distributed to schools and physicians' office across the area. Campbell and Callanan said they hope to begin the program officially in October.

Cost of the program is $175 for YMCA members and $300 for nonmembers. Payment plans are available, and individuals with PEIA insurance are eligible for financial assistance by calling 866-688-7493.

For more information, call 304-525-8127.

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