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they're increasing their chances of getting injured.
"A lot of these kids are pushed to do more and more
sports," says Kris. "If we could teach them how to
properly get ready for the sport, it's going to help
them. That's one of the things I really like about the
program." Being able to stretch properly before and to
cool down after is important.
For kids who may not be athletically inclined, VSC
offers a hour-long class called Fitness Fundamentals
twice a week. Kids come straight from school. They
get off the bus right at the facility because it is on
the bus route. "We teach them the very basics of
exercise, play games where they're running around.
They're moving, getting their heart rates up," says
Danielle.
"Instead of going home and, perhaps, sitting in front of
the computer, they're active for an hour," adds Kris.
In this way, the facility can target a population that
may not want to participate in sports, and promote
an active lifestyle. Kids who participate in Fitness
Fundamentals enjoy being active and may even
consider VSC for their birthday party.
These days, sports performance training is a sport
in and of itself, and facilities benefit from such
programming similarly to the way they benefit
from soccer leagues or birthday parties. Sports
performance programs also allow for cross-promotion.
When travel basketball teams practice at VSC, they
may see athletes working out and sign up for a class.
VALLEY SPORTS CENTER, CANTON, CT
