The YMCA has a strong history of engaging the youngest members of our community in sports. Youth and teens can choose from many options at the Rockland County YMCA including aquatics, soccer, volleyball, karate, golf, yoga, bodybuilding, indoor rowing and basketball. This fall, we are introducing new programs for teen members: teen access to the Fitness Center, a volleyball clinic and workout clubs that will encourage a healthy lifestyle through exercise and proper nutrition.
The normal qualifying age for use of the bodybuilding and aerobic equipment in the Fitness Center is 16. The YMCA is lowering the qualifying age to 12 for those teens who complete either of two training programs (Fitness Center Orientation for Teens or Girls and Boys Workout Club) designed to orient them towards safe use of the equipment, proper training techniques and Fitness Center etiquette. Those who pass the program will be issued a TEEN PASSPORT CARD which will allow them to participate in all adult fitness classes and to use the Fitness Center between 3 and 5 pm daily on their own or at any other time if accompanied by an adult (21+).
Twelve to fifteen year olds are permitted to use the Fitness Center under the conditions of the TEEN PASSPORT CARD if they successfully complete a three day orientation given by a member of the Fitness staff. Teens will be taught the guidelines and principles of exercise, weight training, Fitness Center etiquette and how to utilize the equipment properly. Membership is required for the program. Teens must schedule an appointment with the Fitness Center staff. There is a fee of $60.
This program is designed to give teenagers the tools they need to lead healthy lives. A certified personal trainer will give the participants a different workout each week. Some days they will go for runs around the neighborhood, others they will learn how to use free weights or the Fitness Center machines. The trainer will discuss healthy eating habits and debunk exercise myths. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn a TEEN PASSPORT CARD. For additional information please call Maria Giannattasio, Fitness Director at (845) 358-0245 Ext 315.
This clinic is
tailored for teens of all skill levels, including beginners, who are
interested in playing organized volleyball, perhaps as a
member of a school team. They will learn the rules, skills
(passing, setting, spiking, serving and blocking) and competitive
team concepts and strategies that school coaches look for, while
gaining an appreciation of the sport and how much fun it can be.
Coach Dave Blickstein, a former regional USBA champion and the
founder of the Rockland Advanced Volleyball group, has coached
children and adults alongside some of the world's top professional
volleyball players and led a Boys and Girls Club team to the New
England championship.
There is an epidemic of obesity in our country, especially with our youth. Obese children grow up to be obese adults and their quality of life suffers tremendously. This program is designed to expose kids to exercise in a non-competitive, fun environment. The overall goal of the program is to give kids a life long interest in fitness. The program will consist of games and drills to improve speed, coordination, reaction time, agility, endurance, teamwork and self esteem. For additional information please call Maria Giannattasio, Fitness director at (845) 358-0245 Ext 315.

The River Rowing Association will conduct two winter training sessions at the YMCA this winter. Both programs are geared towards teaching rowing technique, as well as building fitness and strength. All levels of experience are welcome. Workouts for each week of training will be posted online at www.riverrowing.org and at the YMCA. The program is set up so individuals can attend a coached group workout, train on their own, or mix the two. By tracking individual progress, both athletes and coaches will be able to see improvement over the course of the winter. Click here for online registration.
Session 1: November 17 through December 31 - This session will focus on building fitness through an endurance and strength training program. This includes detailed cardio/ergometer workouts mixed with free weight and circuit training and rowing technique.
Session 2: January 17 through February 28 - This session will focus on building fitness through a power and speed training program. Workouts will consist of shorter high intensity exercises focusing on muscle building and anaerobic fitness. Members will get a sense of the sport of rowing while training for peak performance.
Fee: $50 per six week session
Class times: Youth (13 to 18) 3:45 to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday
This self-defense/karate program builds self-esteem, discipline and safety awareness for boys and girls 5 to 15. A black belt instructor teaches techniques for non-aggressive and self-defense purposes only. A YMCA membership is required for participation. Uniforms are priced at $30 and are highly recommended. They are available at the first class and throughout the course. All uniforms come with a white belt and we fit your teenager or child with the proper size. This is an ongoing program. For additional information please call 800-850-0800.
Children will enjoy this natural way to exercise, relax, focus and strengthen their spirit, mind and body. Yoga games, breath meditations and deep relaxations are wonderful self-help therapies for hyperactivity and ADD/ADHA and help improve children's health and well being.
Total Golf Adventures' Golf Enrichment program is designed to introduce golf to kindergarten through eighth grade students. Classes are conducted in a nurturing environment following a curriculum that was developed for TGA by leading PGA professionals and experts in child development and education with the aim of maximizing the achievement of students as they advance through the five level program. The teaching methods ensure that lessons are age appropriate, fun for the students to learn and easy to retain.
This class is designed to teach your child fundamental soccer skills, the rule of the game and good sportsmanship in a fun and relaxing environment.
The goal of the YMCA is to teach fundamental basketball skills and the rules of the game. It's also a great opportunity for children to enhance their skills and build teamwork. An enrollment of at least eight children is required to run this class.

Children should have some basketball experience. They will be introduced to a wide variety of techniques and skills needed to succeed in basketball. A strong emphasis will be placed on skills such as: speed passing. standing dribble, shooting, offence, defense and rebounding. An enrollment of at least eight children is required to run this class.