With summer - or at least Seattle's version of it - in full bloom, many parents opt not to put their kids in front of the television or in day care. Instead, they choose something much healthier.
Many dance studios, swimming pools, gymnasiums and yoga centers not only offer classes for mom and dad, but for the kids, as well.
"There was a big demand out there" for kids' dance classes, said Elizabeth Chayer, owner and director of American Dance Institute, 8001 Greenwood Ave. N. Her studios have been around for about 15 years.
But it's not only a matter of public demand; children's fitness classes are a matter of necessity.
"A lot of kids don't get enough exercise," said Maygan Wurzer, owner and director of All That Dance, 8507 35th Ave. N.E.
Expending energy, creativity
Most studios and fitness centers offer the same number or even fewer classes during the summer than the rest of the year because kids tend to spend more time outside.
However, many places have camps during the summer months because it's easier for families to commit to camps that last only a week, for example, instead of classes that last longer.
Many kids, Wurzer said, don't get a chance to work individually in physical education classes in school because the classes are usually so sports-oriented.
"Kids definitely need a chance to expend energy" in a more focused way, said Wurzer, mother of almost-2-year-old twin boys.
Dance and other similar classes give kids a chance to move freely. Researchers have found, she said, that specific types of movement patterns help young brains develop properly.
The classes are also an outlet for kids to express themselves and be artistic in different ways.
"It helps them with their creativity," Chayer said.
Many classes, including those at Wurzer's studio, follow weekly themes or concepts. Speed was a recent concept at All That Dance.
For the younger set
One international company, The Little Gym, 7777 15th Ave. N. E., is a good place for kids who love gymnastics but who are not at the skill level or don't want to compete, said program director Allison Hall.
"Kids get a chance to shine, who maybe wouldn't at a gym class in school," she explained.
The Washington Karate Association, 8618 Third Ave. N.W., offers karate classes for all ages. The classes are for kids as young as 4 years old. For these tots' classes are organized with games, said manager and instructor Matt Day. The classes become more technical as they get older and mature a little, he explained.
No matter how you choose to do it, everyone agrees that getting kids to start exercising young is vital. And most kids have plenty of energy to spare, so they are perfectly willing to oblige.[[In-content Ad]]
