The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Dumbbells with Dad encourages health, family time
Family fitness classes are a perfect way to spend time with family, and the Lorain County Metro Parks has made it easier for families to get that quality time while being active.
The Lorain County Metro Parks held an outdoor father/child fitness class called “Dumbbell with Dads” on June 11 at the Mercy Health and Recreation Center, 47160 Hollstein Drive in Amherst.
The class was a fun way for everyone to exercise and laugh
together.
“The goal of the Lorain County Metro Parks and the Mercy Health and Recreation Center is to get families engaged in healthy activities that promote healthy lifestyles,” according to Ryan Ladd, the center’s facility coordinator.
The 30-minute class included workouts such as push-ups, sit-ups, arm workouts with shock cords and fitness balls.
The recreation center has activities for both parents and children, but bringing the two groups together is what’s important to Ladd, he said.
“I really wanted to mesh these two generations together to enjoy and fun, family activity,” he said.
Jason Brown and his 4-year-old son, Liam Brown enjoyed the fitness class.
“I really liked when we got to use the (shock) cords,” Liam said.
Jason Brown added, “I think it’s a great activity and I get quality time with my son while participating in healthy activities. I would definitely do something like this again.”
Ladd said he hopes Brown and his son can take some of the activities they learned and use them later on.
This is the first time the Lorain County Metro Parks has held “Dumbbells with Dad,” Ladd said.
“Every month, once a month we hold theme programs for families to partake in,” he said. “In July, we will have a children’s music party, where there will be interactive activities and an opportunity for a sing along.”
In August, the Lorain County Metro Parks also will have a balloon party. Each program is $2 per person, Ladd said.
“We really just want to promote fun activities to keep families engaged,” he said.