The sad truth is that kids are more sedentary than ever before. There is no more walking to school in knee-deep snow for a mile, chopping wood out back, or herding the cows in the pasture for modern-day kids. In fact, for many youth, there is not even physical education.
Physical Education, or PE, is often cut from schools due to budget constraints or to prioritize more academic options. Only 6% of high school students in the US are required to take PE classes three or more days a week, and 43.7 percent of boys and 52 percent of girls are not even enrolled in a physical education class.
But more school lessons do not result in smarter kids. Kids need to move — to learn, to reduce stress, and to be healthy.
The Paseo Club is a social club in the Santa Clarita Valley that serves people of all ages and abilities. The club offers several programs for youth. In this article, you will learn the programs, their features, fees, and how to sign your child up.
Why do kids sit all day?
Whether it is sitting at their desk in school, flopping on their bed doing homework, or chilling on the couch scrolling through their phone, sitting has become a habit for most children.
The National Institute of Health points to poor habits as one of the main obstacles to activity. Plus, adults are modeling this behavior to their children, which their kids naturally emulate.
There is little to no interruption in kids' stationary school days when PE programs are cut. Some kids turn to competitive sports in the afternoons — a great way to be active and fit. But, many kids do not like team sports or the competitive aspect. This means tens of thousands of kids in the US are physically inactive.
Recommendations for child activity
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that children ages 6-17 be physically active for 60 minutes each day, averaging 420 minutes per week. This recommendation is part of its “Physical Activity Basics” program, indicating that these guidelines are just a minimum.
Many kids are active only in certain seasons (in the fall for soccer or spring for track). Alternatively, they may have classes or practice a few days of the week, and on the other days, they do nothing. If this is the case for your child, they may not meet the CDC’s guidelines.
Youth programs at the Paseo Club
The Paseo Club is committed to providing multiple programs to support a diverse range of interests. There are several fitness and physical activity programs specifically developed for children of all ages.
Youth Fitness Class - FREE!
Kids join certified coach Tara Thompson to learn to exercise safely, get fit, and have fun. This class can be enjoyed on its own or to help kids get even stronger for their favorite sport or activity. The class is taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 pm for 7-12-year-olds. This class is free for members and registration opens three days in advance. Reserve your child’s spot.
Junior Certification Program
The Paseo Club’s Junior Certification program is for 12-14-year-olds. Youths learn how to use gym equipment and proper etiquette with a knowledgeable trainer. Kids can attend fitness classes and court drills once they complete this program. This program is a six-session package and costs $245. Reserve your child’s spot by contacting instructor Jodi Broz.
Junior Tennis
Junior Tennis is a mainstay of the Paseo Club. Tennis Director Rene Heger leads this program for kids ages 3-17. Kids can learn the basics of tennis or advanced play, depending on their experience. Small class size means your child is always active and engaged. Class days and times vary according to the class. Purchase classes individually or in packages. Junior tennis is also available to nonmembers. Learn more and register for junior tennis.
Junior Pickleball
The Paseo Club is thrilled to offer junior pickleball to the SCV community — the only one of its kind in the area. Join Pickleball Director Tyler Shaffer and his crew for pickleball lessons and learn strokes, strategies, pickleball fundamentals, drills, and game play! Classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays for kids ages 8-13. Classes are purchased individually or in packages. Junior pickleball is also available to nonmembers. Learn more and register for junior pickleball.
Swim Team
The Paseo Club has teamed up with Paseo Aquatics to offer a comprehensive competitive swim program for kindergarteners through teens. They focus on age-appropriate skill development and training at every level. Lessons are 30 minutes to 2 hours long, depending on the age and level. Paseo Aquatics participates in local or champ meets. Pricing varies. Schedule a tryout for your child. The swim team costs $150 to $250 per month. Swim Team is also available to nonmembers.
Swim Fitness
Paseo Aquatics offers two fitness programs for kids 12 and up. Paseo F.I.T. is land-based, and Swim F.I.T. is in the pool. These Functional, Intelligent, Targeted classes are geared to help condition competitive swimmers and other athletes. They are great for cross-training.
Contact Paseo Aquatics for the current schedule and to sign your child up. Swim Fitness is also available to nonmembers. Swim F.I.T. costs $185 per month and Paseo F.I.T. is $85.
Swim Lessons
From late spring through early fall there are swim lessons at the Paseo Club. The instructors’ philosophy is based on four pillars: awareness, skills, knowledge, and practice.
Kids of all ages and levels can take lessons. There are also private and semi-private lessons if your child needs more one-on-one time. You can choose from a two-day or four-day-a-week schedule. It costs $260 for eight classes for group lessons. Registration is open.
Personal Training
A wide range of certified personal trainers work at the Paseo Club and can help your child become more fit. Whether your kiddo wants to learn how to strength train or they want to condition for their favorite sport, there is a personal trainer who can help them. Personal trainers can also collaborate in a recovery program if your child has suffered an injury. Learn more about the Paseo Club personal trainers.
Sessions are available as 30 or 60-minute classes. You can also share the cost with a friend and sign up for semi-private lessons. Pricing varies according to the length of class, the quantity of classes purchased, and whether it is a private or semi-private class.
Juniors are an essential part of the Paseo Club community
Young people need to be active for optimum growth and development. It helps them to be healthy and fit, reduce stress, improve their grades, and create wholesome habits for life.
In this article, you learned why kids are inactive, the obstacles they face, programs for youth at the Paseo Club, and how to get your child involved.
Kids fourteen and older are welcome to join any fitness class or court drill. Twelve and thirteen-year-olds are extended the same benefits if they go through the Junior Certification Program.
Kids twelve and younger are always welcome at Kids Club, the Paseo Club’s onsite childcare program. Childcare can be paid for by the hour, or you can purchase an affordable monthly pass for only $50. Childcare is available seven days per week.
Become a member of the Paseo Club today by signing up online. It takes just minutes and gives you instant access to fitness, Pilates, swimming, tennis, and pickleball programs. There is something for everyone at the Paseo Club!
