SanTan Sun; 08-01-15: STFF

Experts: Parents, kids should workout together

By Alison Stanton

In some families, parents and kids rarely exercise together.

Mom might go out for a jog while the kids are in school, dad maybe hits the treadmill after work and the children are dropped off at soccer and swimming practices.

In honor of National Exercise With Your Child Week from Aug. 2 to Aug. 8, Brandi Summers, a trainer at Orangetheory Fitness in Chandler, wants parents to know that there are plenty of reasons they should work out with their kids.

“There isn’t really a downside to exercising together,” said Summers, a Chandler resident.

“Obviously there is a health benefit because exercise helps to release endorphins and when you do it you feel better and have more energy. But for parents, you are also setting a good and healthy example for your kids, and showing them that exercise is something that is good and fun, and not a chore.”

11-year-old son, Ben, at Vibetality, a Chandler fitness studio.

Lauren Lescio, a health and fitness coordinator at the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA, said the sooner kids start to exercise, the earlier it becomes a healthy habit.

“If parents and kids exercise together it creates a healthy home life for everyone. I feel like parents don’t always do enough with their kids, and exercising can help to bring families closer.”

Family work out ideas

After noticing how many kids would sit in the lobby and watch their parents work out at her facility, Summers decided to teach a class for kids and parents.

The weekly class is held at 12 p.m. Sundays for kids ages 8 to 13 and at least one family member.

Ania said Vibetality, which advertises 15-minute workouts using whole body vibration, has been a fun way for them to exercise as a family.

“It’s a fun opportunity for families, and it’s great to see the parents take on a coaching role. We do a modified Orangetheory Fitness routine and the parents will help their kids count and keep track; it’s really neat to see,” Summers said.

Harold Shea, executive director of the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA, said his organization offers a wide variety of classes that are designed for parents and their children. Choices include open swim time, karate, and Zumba.

In honor of National Exercise with Your Child Week, Shea said anyone who comes in between Aug. 2 and Aug. 8 can get a free two-week pass.

Ania Kubicki said she and her husband, Jason, enjoy working out with their

“By working out together it shows Ben first hand that we take our health seriously, that we appreciate our bodies and see it as our responsibility to take great care of them,” Ania said.

“We discuss the exercises that were hard for us, the ones that were easy and how our bodies are so different. Ben was able to observe that we too have to work hard to keep up with a pace and that nothing is gained without working toward it.”

Ania said she and Jason hope that by working out together now, Ben will grow up to be an adult who also sees the importance of having a fitness routine for the entire family.

“The huge benefit for us as parents is the added accountability. We have to learn more because we know Ben will be discussing it at the dinner table later that day.”

No gym required

Parents can find plenty of ways to exercise with their kids outside of a gym, Summers said.

“They can just go for a bike ride, run or walk,” she said.

Summers said she and her daughter, 9-year-old Alaina Mowery, enjoy doing a mom-daughter partner workout inside their home.

“We do situps, pass a ball back and forth and do pushups facing one another and give each other a high five after each one. Or we do burpees facing each other and give high fives, or do lunges that are the distance across the living room,” said Summers, about the exercise also known as squat thrusts.

“When parents watch television with their kids, they can also all get up and do something during the commercial breaks, like crunches or leg lifts.”

Lescio said going for a bike ride, walk or enjoying a rousing game of Marco Polo in the pool might seem old-fashioned, but the important thing is that it is getting parents and kids together and exercising as a family.

Parents who are training for events can still workout on their own, Summers said.

“If they are training for something, parents can exercise with their kids on their rest day or easy activity days. This way, they are still getting their rest and recovery time and are still getting some exercise in and setting that great example for their kids.”

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

RESOURCES

Websites: www.valleyymca.org/location/ chandler- gilbert-family-ymca www.ymca.net/family-time

www.ymca.net/healthy-family-home

www.orangetheoryfitness.com www.vibetality.com/

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Read to Dogs, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Try your hand at reading books to a dog. Who knows, they might really dig it. Ages 3 and up. Downtown Library, Copper Room North, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

1

RAD Family Swim Party, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Recreation and Athletics for the Disabled (RAD) is hosting a fun-filled event for all athletes, volunteers and their families at Hamilton Pool. This event, designed for individuals with developmental disabilities, will include dinner, music and swimming. Hamilton High School, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 883-5000, www.mychandlerschools.org/hhs

1

Junior Animal Scientists, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Learn about animal anatomy. This class allows curious young minds to explore new concepts through fun, hands-on and multisensory activities. Ages 5 to 7. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www. chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Child Care and Babysitting Safety Course, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This course for children, ages 11 to 17, will teach babysitting and child care responsibilities and safety. This class is specially designed to help build confidence and the skills necessary to care for children and handle emergency situations. Participants will learn diapering, feeding, CPR and first aid, among other important skills. Successful class completion will earn students a course certificate valid for two years. Pre-registration required. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/ recreation.

1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30

Hamilton Aquatic Center Post-Season Hours, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a cool summer at Hamilton Aquatic Center during its postseason hours. Facility amenities include an eight-lane competition pool, two water slides, a zero-depth play pool, a water vortex, ramadas and a current river. Hamilton Aquatic Center, 3838 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Children (2 to 17 years) $1, adult $2.25 (18 to 54 years), senior (55 and older) $1.25. (480) 782-2630, www.chandleraz.gov/ recreation.

2 Free Swimming at Nozomi Aquatic Center, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy a day of swim at Nozomi Aquatic Center, open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free swimming from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Facility amenities include a 25-yard, eight-lane pool, shade ramadas and a 112-foot water slide. Nozomi Aquatic Center, 250 S. Kyrene Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 783-8261 www.chandleraz.gov/ recreation.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31

High Five Read and Play Group, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join this community where parents play with their children while helping them develop key literacy, social and cognitive skills. Staff is available to cover information on the five early literacy practices. Downtown Library, Copper Room North, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center Postseason Hours, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Swim with us at Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center. Facility amenities include a competition pool, two water slides, a lazy river, a family play pool with zero-depth entry and toddler slides. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

only the play structure will be open. This includes the SCS interactive play feature and zero-depth area. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., only the play pool will be open. This includes the SCS interactive play feature and zero-depth area, water vortex, water slides and lazy river. Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr., Chandler. Children (2 to 17 years) $1, adults $2.25 (18 to 54 years), seniors (55+) $1.25. (480) 782-2635, www. chandleraz.gov/recreation.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Minecraft Mondays, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Explore Minecraft weekly with other game lovers ages 6 to 18. Downtown Library, Cactus Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31

Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring children 5 years or younger to play at Tumbleweed’s indoor play area. This safe and clean area is filled with toys and will keep children entertained with many activities. Maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 per child for residents, $3 per child for nonresidents. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Cell Phone Dust Plug Charm, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Make jewelry for your phone. Attendees will make a cell phone dust plug with two charms. For ages 11 to 18 years. Pre-registration required. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Bring children 5 years or younger to play at Tumbleweed’s indoor play area. This safe and clean area is filled with toys and will keep children entertained with many activities. Maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 per child for residents, $3 per child for nonresidents. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Bilingual Storytime, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Listen to stories and songs in English and Spanish for 20 minutes. For children ages 5 and younger. Downtown Library, Copper Room North, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

4, 11, 18, 25

STEAM Club, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Have fun every Tuesday with science, technology, engineering, art and math. Play games, explore weird science, play with LEGO cars, dig for dinos and more. Prizes awarded just for showing up. Downtown Library, Cactus Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary. org.

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Family Night—Plant and Paint, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family for a night of fun at Tumbleweed Recreation Center. There is a different activity each week. The theme for this week is “Plant and Paint.” Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $5. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

5, 12, 19, 26

Lapsit Babytime, 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bring babies up to 18 months old to this 40-minute storytime complete with books, puppets and group playtime. Downtown Library, Cloud Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

6, 13, 20, 27

Toddler Time, 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A 20-min -

ute program with puppets, action songs and books. The activities are designed to enhance the development of children ages 14 to 36 months. Downtown Library, Copper Room North, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

6, 13, 20, 27

Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bring children ages 3 to 5 for this 30-minute program including flannel boards, books, songs and more. Downtown Library, Copper Room North, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

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Mommy and Me, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Spend the morning making a fun and colorful summer mobile with large 12-inch graphics. For ages 3 to 5. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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LEGO Club, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Come make new friends and have fun building with LEGO. The library supplies the LEGO and kids supply the creativity. Downtown Library, Copper Room North, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

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Meet the Creature, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Get up close and personal with live animals from around the world and learn fun facts about wildlife rescue and conservation during this 45-minute program. For ages 2 and older. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 7822890, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Stamp Club Meeting, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This class will teach about various techniques, including stamping, embossing, die cutting, mixed media and design. Participants will make cards, scrapbooking and home décor. For ages 13 years and older. Pre-registration required. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Free. 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Building a Backyard Bird Habitat, 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Build a birdhouse for the backyard and enjoy learning tricks to create a home landscape that is safe and more inviting to birds and other wildlife. Participants must be 16 years or older. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/ recreation.

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Cute Clipboard Art, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Spend the night making fun and trendy decorative pieces for the house using paints, stamps, embellishments and paper cutouts. For ages 11 to 18. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Child Care and Babysitting Safety Course, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This safety course for children, ages 10 to 16, will teach about babysitting and child care responsibilities and safety. This course is designed to help build confidence and the skills necessary to care for children and handle emergency situations. Participants will learn diapering, feeding, CPR and first aid, among many other important skills. Successful class completion will earn students a course completion card valid for two years. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2727, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Introduction to Vegetarian Cooking for Kids, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Children, ages 6 to 8, will get the opportunity to learn about gluten-free, organic and vegetarian cooking. All recipes taught will be simple, delicious and nutritious. Pre-registration required. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www. chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Family Night - Popsicle Party, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family for a night of fun at Tumbleweed Recreation Center. There is a different activity each week. The theme for this week is “Popsicle Party.” Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $5. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Evening of Scrapbooking with Friends, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Spend the night scrapbooking your memories. Bring your scrapbooking supplies and pictures and learn new scrapbook techniques taught throughout the night. Prizes and dinner will be given away. For ages 13 year and older. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Bug Zoo, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Explore the amazing world of insects and other creepy-crawlies with a certified entomologist! With the use of a live bug collection, children, ages 3 to 6, will get to learn about beneficial bugs, such as butterflies, ladybugs and bees. Each child will receive a free activity book. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/ recreation.

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Flowers and Wildlife, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Earn your junior flower badge and learn how to identify and preserve flowers. This free event, which includes a nature walk at Veterans Oasis Park, will teach children about flowers, wildlife, and the purposes and uses for people and animals. For ages 9 to 12. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Your Initial Wall Art, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Create a decoration for your room using large letters, paint, ribbons and pictures. Children, ages 11 to 18, can have fun turning a letter from their name into a piece of custom art. Pre-registration required. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Summer Full Moon Nature Hike, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Invite family and friends for a walk under the starry sky for this hour-long moon-lit hike at Veterans Oasis Park. All ages welcome. Make sure to bring a flashlight and a bottle of water to stay safe and hydrated. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

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Family Book Club, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. An activity the whole family can enjoy. Free snacks, games with prizes and books. Enjoy a morning of reading, playing and snacking together. Registration is limited to 30 families. Downtown Library, Copper Room North, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Murder mystery for teens at Chandler Public Library

By Tracy House

Teens can “dance ‘til they drop,” or someone does, at the “Totally Rad ‘80s Prom Gone Bad” murder-mystery.

Hosted by the Hamilton branch of the Chandler Public Library, 12-to 18-year-olds from around the city are invited to take part in the free ‘80s prom that will include music, dancing, food and murder.

Phyllis Saunders, Hamilton branch manager, said her facility has held multiple proms. Teens register online and choose the role they want to play.

“Everyone who comes has a role to play,” she said. “When they come into the library, it’ll be like they’re here at the prom.”

Music, decorations, food and DJ are all provided for this free evening of dancing, fun and murder mystery.

“At some point during the evening, someone is going to ‘die,’” Saunders said. “It’ll be up to the people who are there to figure out who the ‘murderer’ is.”

The “murderer” will be one of the guests, but that person won’t know until midway through the evening. Up to 50 teens can attend this night of intrigue from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15. “We close at 5 p.m. and we re-open at 6 p.m. for the prom.

“They have to go to our website to sign up and then they’ll be sent a link to pick their character” for the prom, Saunders said. Parents

can drop off participants, enjoy an evening out and pick kids up at the end of the prom.

There will be ‘80s music all night long.

“We encourage people to come in their ‘80s gear,” Saunders said. “There will be a prize for the best ‘80s costume, as well.”

Teens can raid their parents closets or hit the local thrift store to find the best ‘80s outfit to wear to the murder-mystery prom.

This is a chance for teens to learn about the ‘80s culture and history while having fun solving a mystery.

Registration for the event is required. Go to the Events Calendar at www.chandlerlibrary. org or call (480) 782-2800 The Chandler Hamilton Library is located at 3700 S. Arizona Ave.

Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com

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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR RESIDENTS!

Non-resident registration opens Friday, August 7 at 10 a.m.

We offer hundreds of opportunities for you and your family to discover hidden talents, develop new skills and have fun through our classes, programs and events. For a complete listing of upcoming activities or for more information on programs highlighted below pick up Break Time magazine at Chandler facilities,

or call

Fall INTERSESSION YOUTH CAMPS

SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 9

Don’t let your kids be home alone or bored all break - enroll them in our fun and affordable youth programs! Qualified staff will engage kids in sports, games, arts & crafts, skits, youth development activities and special events. Morning, afternoon, or full day sessions are available at Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Snedigar Recreation Center and the Environmental Education Center.

This heart-pumping BMX Bike Event is for bike riders and enthusiasts ages 12 to 18 and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, at Chandler’s Bike Park located in Espee Park, 450 E. Knox Road. Admission is $3 residents and $5 for non-residents.

Fall S W I M OPPORTUNITIES

Summer may be over, but swim lessons are still available at four of our six aquatic centers! Already know how to swim? Consider signing up for one of our youth or adult stroke development classes. Visit www.chandleraz. gov/registration for more information and to sign up.

Eight ADULT SPORTS LEAGUES

Play a team sport and make new friends with Chandler Recreation! This season Adult Sports is offering eight leagues including: Co-Rec. Softball, Co-Rec. Volleyball, Men’s Basketball, Flag Football and for the first time ever a Senior (50+) Softball league. All leagues play a seven-week season followed by a singleelimination tournament.

Family NIGHT AT THE TRC

Enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center. For more information contact the TRC at 4780-782-2900

Visit the Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park for this FREE lakeside entertainment series good for the whole family! Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and food. Snacks and beverages will be available for a small fee.