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Up Against the Wall
Activity promotes eye-hand coordination as well
as fitness benefits
July 19, 2006 - Brendan Safley
likes a challenge when he works out. That’s
why he finds himself
using the Sports Wall at Cleaver Family YMCA. At
only 4 years old, he’s able to give his 6-year-old
brother, Colin, some competition. The Safley boys
take advantage of the gymnasium when their
mom, Laura, is taking classes.
“We come here about three or
four times a week,” Laura Safley said. “I
like that there is an indoor play structure for
the kids.”
The Cleaver Y, which opened last March
at 7000 Troost Ave., features activities like the
Sports Wall for people of all ages. Joe Moore, membership
director, says this workout wall is perfect for
developing hand/eye coordination.
Here’s how it works: Lights on
the wall go off and the participant must hit each
one as it lights up before the buzzer sounds. It
involves jumping or reaching high, while getting
the lower lights
with the knees and legs. Sometimes the kids use
swim noodles or basketballs to shake things up.
Other times they hit the lights in a relay fashion.
Moore said the wall also is used for sports training
and that offers exercise to anyone.
“Childhood obesity is such a
problem in the U.S.,” Moore said. “We’re
just trying to do what we can to help, while keeping
it fun.”
Beth McCarthy said her children, Brady
and Katie, enjoy playing at the gym but say the
wall is their favorite activity.
“I think it might be hard to
get them to do anything else because the wall is
a lot of fun,” said McCarthy, who works out
at the YMCA several times a week.
Members age 9-17 have a designated
area called Generation Zone. During the school year,
it opens at 3 p.m. and is popular with the after-school
crowd. It is not open on the weekends because of
facility rentals.
Features include Dance Dance Revolution,
and, Moore said, sometimes there are danceoffs.
A large-screen television and computers
also are available. Moore said he has found the
video cycle to be a hot item among the Generation
Zone kids, as well. Stationary bikes are hooked
up to video games and the only way to get the game
to start is to pedal the bike.
Aside from the hi-tech equipment,
Moore said that Generation Zone offers Youth in
Government, a book club, homework assistance and
college speakers. Surprisingly, he said he sometimes
find the kids playing “good old-fashioned”
board games.
“What we have done through Generation
Zone is offer kids a structured hang out place,”
Moore said. “They all seem to have a good time."
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