By Benjamin-Emile Le Hay 9/13/12 1:23pm

Scooter Weekend

Photo: NYRR

Ready, Set, Go!

Get your running shoes out folks, this Saturday marks Fitness and the New York Road Runners family races in Central Park. Before you reject the notion of running a marathon, there are a few options for every family member. For the older set, there is a 4-miler on East Drive and 68th, which we predict will be competitive. Afterwards, NYRR will send the kids out dashing for a short version intended for toddlers up to pre-teens. Those people who just don’t delight in running, there are free Pure Barre total body workouts and the awesome SurfSE wave-surfing simulator to try out. Read More

By Peter Feld 5/14/12 7:18pm

Kids' Fitness

The Gaga Center - Three Pits

A Very Gaga Workout For Kids On The Upper East Side

“A lot of times, kids get into a sport where parents have expectations. Here, it’s just a game,” said Alissa Schmelkin, co-founder of the newly opened Gaga Center on the Upper East Side. “You don’t have to live up to standards.”

Gaga may be “just a game.” But played in octagonal pens – though rules can vary, the basic aim is to avoid getting hit below the knee – it offers a high-energy workout that kids seem to love, building endurance and flexibility, according to general manager Avi Gordon.

The Gaga Center – the only such venue in Manhattan – offers coed groups for kids under 7 and for 7- to 10-year-olds. The game – the ball is soft – is well suited toward the littler kids, though their games often devolve into simple passing of the ball. Read More