YMCA of Greater Charlotte

Morrison Family YMCA

Youth Fitness

At the Y, we believe that our youth should understand the importance of physical activity while having fun. Whether they are going through an orientation to the fitness center or training for their first 5K, our programs are designed to be age appropriate and promote lifelong healthy habits.

Youth Orientation

In order to make sure your child has a safe, healthy experience in our fitness center, we have a special, two-part orientation for all children ages 10-15, designed to meet their needs. After completing both orientation portions, you will receive a colored wristband* allowing you to use the fitness center.

Part I: Family Health Consult
(pre-requisite for the youth fitness orientations)
Fitness staff will use this opportunity to educate both parent and child on our health and fitness programs offered here at the Y. This appointment is required before completing the youth fitness center orientation and exercising on the 2nd floor. An appointment can be made at either Fitness Center desk or at the Member Service desk. Both the parent/guardian and child must attend the scheduled appointment. Each appointment is 30 minutes and includes:
  • A review of participants' interests and goals.
  • A review of the orientation and timeline.
  • A review of the fitness center and group exercise etiquette, safety and policies.
  • A Parent/Child agreement on expectations.

Part II: Youth Fitness Center Orientation
Fitness staff will help provide more appropriate outline that helps younger members fully understand the importance of health and fitness. This orientation includes a minimum of 2-3 30-minute appointments. These appointments are divided into different sessions in order to cover specific aspects of health and fitness.
  1. Session 1: Cardiovascular Exercise
    • Warming up/Cooling down
    • RPE
  2. Session 2: Strength Training
    • Equipment positioning
    • Understanding appropriate weight for workouts
    • Order of exercise and frequency
  3. Session 3: Free Weights (ages 14 & 15)
    • Safety and understanding difference of this workout
    • Proper form and weight selection
    • Learning core free wight exercises
Existing Members: It is recommended that all youth that have previously gone through a fitness orientation schedule a Family Health Consultation, with or without their parent, in order to be given a new wristband to replace the lanyard, and sign the new paperwork.
*Members can replace a lost band for $5.

For more information or to schedule your appointment, contact:
Morrison Fitness Desk
704 716 4656

Youth Running

Nurture your child's interest in running with this 8-week training program that utilizes endurance training and fun games to develop their running abilities. Instruction on proper form is a top priority. This program will prepare them for the Run! Ballantyne 10K/5K Race on May 19th. Join us as we get fit, have fun and accomplish an awesome goal (Race participation is NOT mandatory and race entry fees are NOT included in the program price). For ages 8-14 years.

 Member: $100  Program Participant: $150
Tuesday and Thursday
March 20-May 17
5:15 PM-6:15 PM 
Our Youth Running program is currently at capacity. If you're still looking for a running program for your child, be sure to check out our School-Age Running Club for K-5th graders!

Youth Triathlon Training

Train with us for Kids Tri! Ballantyne this summer through our popular Youth Triathlon Training program! Young athletes participate in this 5-week training program that includes weekly cycling, running and swimming clinics. Additional areas covered will be strength and core, nutrition and safety. Participants must be a green band swimmer and provide their own bike each week. (Race fee not included in the price of the class, 6 to 14 years.)

 Member: $125  Program Participant: $150
Tuesdays
June 12-July 10
7:00 PM-8:30 PM 

For more information, contact:
Lisa Johnson
Wellness Specialist


Kids HQ PE

While parents are working out, your kids can enjoy fun and fast-paced physical activity too. The new Kids HQ PE program is available to all Kids HQ participants. Plan your family's visit to everyone can get some exercise and have fun staying healthy. Activity schedule includes:

Monday/Wednesday: Similar to a Kids Conditioning class, staff led relay races and gross motor skill activities.
Tuesday/Thursday: Team games (Dodgeball, basketball, kickball, wiffle ball, etc.)
Saturday: Challenge Day-Races and physical challenges with an opportunity to top the highest score!

 FREE for Members
Monday-Thursday 5:30 PM-6:15 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
11:00 AM-11:45 AM

Brian Vest
Senior Program Director - Youth & Teens


Homeschool PE

This program offers a PE class to those who participate in Homeschooling, ages 5-12 years. Your child will learn different components of fitness as well as improve their own fitness while meeting other homeschoolers in the community! Be sure to check out our Homeschool Art program that runs on the same day!

 Member: $60  Program Participant: $75
Wednesdays:
January 9-May 25
K-2nd grade: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
3rd-5th: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM

For more information, contact:
Sara Cress
Program Director - Afterschool, Family Services


Kids Conditioning

An exercise program designed for kids (ages 6-9 years) with aerobic activities to teach children to enjoy exercise and learn how to have a healthy body. The classes will include activities and games that are structured, non-competitive, energetic, team-building and fun! - FREE!

Monday and Wednesday  4:10 PM-5:00 PM




In order to register for this program, please stop by the Member Services Desk anytime the
YMCA is open and speak with a Member Services Representative.

For more information, contact:
Laurie Pace
Group Exercise

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.