By Brad D. Bates
C & G Sports Writer

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Macomb Township Recreation Center Fitness Coordinator Maria Marino wanted to do her part to fight childhood obesity.

Armed with the knowledge that obesity and diabetes is in epidemic proportions among children, Marino started the Kid’s Fun and Fitness Class at the recreation center to help youngsters learn the basics of exercise in a non-competitive format.

“Sports aren’t for everyone,” Marino said Aug. 4. “I had one brother growing up who loved sports and another who didn’t, so he just stayed in and watched TV.

“Kids today, all they do is play video games and stay inside. This class teaches them the basics of exercise, but is not just jumping jacks. It’s fun and fitness.”

The class, which runs Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. July 7 to Aug. 20, was open to kids from kindergarten to fifth-grade who pre-registered. Along with building a foundation for fitness, it helped kids learn to interact with one another.

“He’s learning new games, like duck-duck-goose and red rover,” Angela Pashley of Macomb Township said of her 5-year-old son, Steven. “He always wants to play the games when he gets home, too.

“He’s learning how to bounce a basketball, kick a soccer ball and handle a hockey stick. He’s going into kindergarten too, so he’s going to go in there knowing how to work as a team.”

The class’s focus on fitness in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere creates an experience where kids learn and want to keep coming back week after week.

“We’ve been here since it started,” Julie Terenzi of Warren said of her 4-year-old granddaughter, Marina Terenzi, of Macomb Township.

“The girls in her neighborhood are older than she is, so it’s nice that she can come here and meet other kids and exercise. She looks forward to it, too.”

That type of reaction is why Marino is already planning next year’s class, with a few small changes.

“It’s been great,” Marino said. “Every Monday and Wednesday from July  to August, though, is bit long. We’re thinking of shortening it to maybe (having parent’s register) one week at a time.”

You can reach Sports Writer Brad D. Bates at bbates@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1029.