Marco YMCA program aims to teach kids a healthier lifestyle

Morgan Trizyna is looking for a more flexible body for cheerleading.

Alex Popoff wants to build some muscle for sports, eyeing a spot on the Marco Island Charter Middle School basketball team.

That is why they, along with 10 other 12-to-14-year-olds with personal goals, are participating in the Marco Island YMCA's Basic Strength Training for Teens.

Carla Battalla, a registered nurse and certified trainer has her own goals — to teach kids a healthier lifestyle, about toning and conditioning their bodies and to have them gain more self-confidence.

"The program was developed while I was brainstorming with Gina back in February," Battalla said.

Gina Blassneck is the Y's senior program director.

"We noticed kids with some unhealthy habits in terms of nutrition and body mechanics," she said. "We thought they would benefit from outside sports conditioning while also energizing others their age to think about healthy habits that include body toning."

Battalla was a nurse in Chicago. She worked on medical surgical floors and also taught.

"I retired to Florida 10 years ago and wanted to stay in the health arena as I am very much a proponent of good health," she said.

She went into personal training and was certified at the Marco Fitness Club.

"These kids are at a challenging age," she said. "Their bodies are changing and I wanted to provide a program where they can feel good about themselves."

Participants vary in height and weight. Not all embrace physical fitness. Yet they realize they can benefit.

"This program helps the person who doesn't want to compete with others," she said. "You know there is always someone cuter or smarter, but in this program they are learning about being the best they can be," she said.

There are some kids in the class who are overweight, but want to get in shape to play a sport. There also are those who want to start a better lifestyle.

"Some focus on cardiovascular work rather than muscle building, while some are going for weight loss," she said. "I help them all in making healthier lifestyle choices, like what they put in their mouth and how the body responds."

Battalla says her focus changes with each person's abilities.

"My job is to make them feel successful at their level so they can achieve a sense of accomplishment and keep on going (after this eight-week program.)"

The program began June 1. Battalla covers all the body parts and how they are related, giving the kids insight into how to coordinate those parts.

Participants work on machines or with free weights.

"Kids already realize they have a weak side and are working to equalize their sides," she said. "(The workout) stimulates their thinking on how they can best equalize their strength.

"I hope kids leave my program feeling that they have given their best and they are the best individual person they can possibly be so they will continue to improve in every aspect of their life."