Community Corner
Local Kids Learn Fitness Can Be Fun
Alternative House and Jazzercise with Yhomi teamed up to teach local kids about healthy eating and exercise recently.
By Deborah Corsi
“What’s the best thing to do before exercising?”
“Can you name two healthy snacks?”
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Fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders tackled these and other health-related questions, and learned some cool new dance moves, at a free fitness and health workshop offered by Jazzercise with Yhomi, a locally-owned group fitness program, recently.
About a dozen girls from the Safe Youth Project - a program affiliated with Alternative House - participated in the event. Alternative House board member and local realtor Lisa Moffett teamed up with Yhomi Warshavsky, owner of Jazzercise with Yhomi, to bring students to the workshop.
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The girls learned how to make healthy eating choices and got tips for exercising safely. Yhomi led a brief quiz session and the girls won prizes for answering questions correctly. She also offered scholarships for Jr. Jazzercise camp, a one-week summer camp for kids.
Then, it was time to dance! With songs from their favorite artists like Pit Bull, JLo, Pink and Britney Spears, the girls rocked the room, staff said. At first a little shy and uncertain about fitness dancing, they were soon laughing and enjoying themselves. They ended the program full of energy and enjoyed a snack of fruit and bottled water, organizers said.
Founded in 1972, Alternative House offers programs to help children and young people stay safe, make positive decisions, achieve educational success, and overcome personal crises. The organization provides counseling, shelter and neighborhood-based support. Children in the Safe Youth Project take field trips and work on crafts and homework in a safe and nurturing environment.
Jazzercise with Yhomi is a group fitness program offering adult fitness classes at the Gesher Jewish Day School, 4800 Mattie Moore Court in Fairfax, and the Mott Community Center, 12111 Braddock Road in Fairfax. Adult Jazzercise customers enjoy a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing movements.
Youngsters can participate through Jr. Jazzercise, a week-long summer camp that includes fitness and making healthy snacks and crafts. Jr. Jazzercisers also write, direct, and produce their own talent show.
Alternative House board member and local realtor Lisa Moffett said, "Alternative House’s association with Jazzercise with Yhomi is just wonderful. Earlier this year Yhomi’s team did a fundraiser for us, raising more than $1,200. We share similar goals, so it’s a great, natural partnership."
Want to learn more? Visit these websites:
Alternative House: http://www.thealternativehouse.org/
Jazzercise: http://www.jazzercise.com
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