Al Maldonado had an idea.
The owner and operator of Bodyware Personal Training in Pelham had clients who have teenage children.
"I toyed with the idea of having a training program for teens," Maldonado said.
He presented his idea to the Pelham Recreation Department and the Teen Fit Club was created as a summer program.
"it's good for kids regardless of their fitness level," Maldonado said.
During the twice weekly sessions, teens learn resistance training, work on agility coordination and a little bit of nutrition, he said.
Pelham resident Anna Sotolongo's children love the program, she said.
"During the summer, they really want to go it," Sotolongo said. "My son feels stronger after he comes out of it."
She heartily recommends Maldonado's teen fitness program.
"I was impressed that Al was teaching them about how the body works," Sotolongo said, adding that it gives the teens the rationale behind exercising.
Maldonado is hoping the school system will be interested in adopting the program.
He said teens who are in sports already are working on fitness, but others are more sedentary.
"The obesity rate is off the charts here," Maldonado said.
The Teen Fitness Club continues through August 7. For information, call 914-738-0153.
(Photo caption: Pelham young people participating in the Teen Fit Club. Credit: Al Maldonado.)
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