Fit Family 2019

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EXERCISING THE SENSES new Menomonie gym designed for kids with special needs

BY LA U REN F I S H ER • PH OTO S BY A N D REA PA U LS ETH A PA I R O F M EN O M O N I E S I STERS O PEN ED A N EW B REED O F YO UTH F I TN ES S A N D PLAY FA C I LI TY I N O CTO B ER. Jesse’s Jym, E4699 430th Ave., is an adaptive sensory gym where kids of all abilities can romp around and develop their muscles and minds.

Every toy and piece of play equipment in Jesse’s Jym is meant to be touched, the staff is trained to work with children who have sensory processing disorders, and parents never need to apologize for their kids’ outbursts, enthusiasm, or struggles.

The gym’s floor is covered in mats, and spinning swings hang from the ceiling. In the corner is a small jungle gym – with a jungle theme – that sports a slide and a miniature rock-climbing wall set at a gentle angle. A mural of a toucan watches as youngsters climb a net; and if it all gets a little overwhelming, there’s a dimly lit room where kids can calm down with soothing music, essential oil diffusers, and visual stimulators such as a glitter lamp.

The main room opens into a big, open room that will eventually become a place where kids can really zoom around. It will feature a trampoline and toys for more athletic activities, and give older children room to move around freely.

“When you go anywhere and you bring an autistic child, people point, and they laugh, and they do the little whisper thing. They don’t understand.” That’s Darcie Larrieu’s take on navigating the world alongside a young person with a sensory processing disorder.

She’s the aunt of 14-year-old Jesse Walker, who was diagnosed with autism when he was 4 years old.

Jesse’s mother, Tanya Stoekler, is the quieter of the pair – Larrieu describes her as the “technical” one. Stoekler a board-certified behavioral analyst and therapist.

“He was four when he was diagnosed,” Stoekler said. “It was kind of a push at that time, a lot of the pediatricians had the mentality of ‘let’s wait and see.’ … We really had to push to get the referral to get tested for autism.”

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While more resources were available to Jesse after his diagnoses, they did not provide the scope of opportunity Stoekler believed he needed to succeed.

While a parent or therapist can teach a child to, for example, share a toy with them at home or in a session, there is little opportunity under those circumstances for them to learn how to generalize the behavior and apply it in more situations, Stoekler said. And with few kids’ gyms – and the children and parents who frequent them – being equipped to support special needs children in their exploration, there is no place to practice the skills developed in the home and with the help of professionals. “That’s really where we’re failing these children,” she said.

Jesse’s Jym is not the first sensory gym in the United States, but Larrieu and Stoekler guess that it’s the first to offer the kind of developmental programming they’re planning on providing.

Stoekler has developed a number of classes and workshops where children can learn with each other.

This includes sensory exploration for younger kids, yoga for all ages, and social skills and self-acceptance therapy groups for adolescents.

Once the sisters decided to commit themselves to opening the gym, it was smooth sailing. Except for finding the right space. And the right landlord.

And the right insurer. The venue had to be spacious and in a low-traffic location. Rentals with shared walls fell through when landlords were concerned about the potential noise.

And insurers were hesitant to take on the perceived risks associated with an establishment that deals primarily with special needs children. Now that it’s all fallen into place, Stoekler and Larrieu are proud of the service they offer kids and their parents.

“Parents of special needs children don’t get to go get their hair done, or go to Caribou Coffee, or just go down the road,” Larrieu said. When they do go out with their children, they face social pressures from others who make assumptions or pass judgment.

They spend much of their time

apologizing for themselves and their children. In addition to providing children with a place to grow and explore, Jesse’s Jym is a place where parents don’t have to worry. They even offer “Fun Respite,” a program where parents can schedule in advance to drop off a child for an hour or two to play while their guardian runs errands, attends appointments, or just

takes a moment for themselves. “You shouldn’t have to say you’re sorry every time you have to go somewhere,” Larrieu said.

Jesse’s Jym • E4699 430th Ave., Menomonie • 9am-5pm TuesdaySaturday, 10am-5pm Sundays, closed Mondays • (715) 231-2424 • larrieud@ jjclp.org • Find it on Facebook

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RESOLVED TO DITCH THE DIET start healthy diet-free habit and be your child’s best role model

BY S U S A N KRA H N

SNOWY FUN FOR EVERYONE PUT A S EA S O N A L S P I N O N TH ES E S U M M ERY G A M ES I T’ S EA SY TO F I N D YO U RS ELF B AT TLI N G C A B I N FEV ER A FTER TH E S O LST I C E, when the days grow longer but somehow also colder. But frigid air is not a prison sentence, nor should it be seen that way. A good pair of wool socks and a group of similarly feverish friends can be the perfect pairing to inspire an excursion. Here are some winter games for children and adults alike that can keep you warm while you get out of your den for a spell.

S K I S O C C ER

Use cones to designate goal posts on either end of a snow-covered field. That’s the easiest this gets.

Gather an even number of players and strap on some skis. Leave the poles at home for this one.

Players may move the ball by batting it across the field – picking it up is against the rules. Try to bat the ball between the other team’s goal posts to score a point. If the ball exits the field of play, the last person to touch it must relinquish it to the other team to toss in bounds. Try not to get tangled up in other players’ skis!

C A PTU RE TH E FLA G

Bundle up and head outside to a field, park, or wooded area for a game of capture the flag. Just because the weather changes doesn’t mean the rules do! Divide up into teams and mark two lines in the snow. Between the lines is the neutral zone.

On each side of the neutral zone is one team’s territory. Each team hangs a flag within its own territory, and chooses an area to use as a jail. The object of the game is to sneak (or sprint) into the other team’s territory, steal their flag, and bring it to your own team’s territory. If a player is tagged in the other team’s territory, they can be sent to jail. A jailed player can be released by a tag from a teammate. The game ends when a flag is successfully brought to the other team’s territory, or when all of a team’s players have been jailed.

A S W E STA RT A N EW YEA R, YO U M I G HT M A KE A RES O LUT I O N TO LO S E W E I G HT. If you are a parent, you might be asking yourself, “How will I fit a diet and exercise into my busy schedule?” Another important question to ask yourself is, “How will my diet and exercise affect my children?

Being overweight or obese is a serious problem for adults and children.

New research shows that 40 to 48 percent of adults and 12 to 21 percent of children living in Eau Claire County are obese. People living in rural areas appear to be at a higher risk for obesity. We all have heard about rising obesity rates, but did you know that children today are three times more likely to have obesity compared to children living in the 1960s and ’70s?

As a parent or caregiver, you’re the most important role model for your child. The way you eat, diet, talk about your body, and exercise makes a big difference in what your child learns about healthy habits. A focus on your weight can backfire.

Negative talk about your body or your weight can lead young children and teens to feelings of guilt, insecurities about their own bodies, and eating disorders. Instead, use positive talk about how healthy

foods make you feel good and have more energy.

Don’t feel guilty about taking time to exercise. It’s important for children to see that being active is a normal part of everyday life. The more active you are, the more likely your kids will be active. Have fun being active as a family. Kids need 60 minutes of daily physical activity. A new tradition of evening walks around the block or weekly active family outings makes memories for kids and adds in more exercise for you.

This year, lose the fad diets and extreme exercise plans that don’t last beyond February. Instead, resolve to be healthy as a family. For a long-lasting healthier lifestyle, pick one new habit at a time. Here are ideas to consider and can involve the whole family:

EAT A H EA LTHY B REA KFA ST. People who eat a healthy breakfast tend to have a healthier weight.

F I LL H A LF YO U R PLATE W I TH FRU I TS A N D V EG ETA B LES . Instead of cutting out foods, think about eating more healthy options. When you eat more fruits and vegetables, you will likely eat less of the higher-calorie foods.

D R I N K WATER. Calories from sweetened coffee drinks, juice drinks, or regular soda add up quickly. Many people who drink high-calorie beverages daily find they lose weight easily by cutting them out.

PUT AWAY TH E S N A C KS . A couple of healthy snacks between meals can be an important part of your child’s eating pattern. Rather than grazing on snacks, try planned snack times.

Monitor portion sizes by putting snacks in a small bowl or bag. Don’t eat out of the package or carton.

EAT AT H O M E. If you or your family eat a lot of meals away from home, try limiting it to once per week.

EAT A M EA L A S A FA M I LY TH REE T I M ES EA C H W EEK. Turn off screens

When you start making good lifestyle changes, kids will notice.

Cheers to the new year and a healthier you!

and focus on enjoying time together.

Experts have found that eating and talking together helps children eat healthier, have a healthy weight, and even do better with behavior and in school.

Susan Krahn, MS, RDN, CD, CLC, is a public health nutritionist and registered dietitian with the Eau City-County Health Department/WIC Program.

S N O W S H O E K I C KB A LL

Find an oversized kickball and bring it out to a snowy field or frozen lake for a game of snowshoe kickball. Mark the bases with cones or snowmen and go for it. It’s a little easier to play with a bigger ball when everyone’s bundled up and clumsy from the cold. Of course, snowshoes aren’t required to play kickball in the winter; clunky warm boots sufficiently increase the difficulty of this childhood favorite.

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KEEP MOVING! INDOORS OR OUT how to keep your family active when winter weather drives you indoors

BY LA U REN F I S H ER • PH OTO BY A N D REA PA U LS ETH S C H O O L, H O M EW O RK, H O LI D AYS , S H O RTER D AYLI G HT H O U RS , A N D A N EV ER- I N C REA S I N G P I LE O F ES S ENT I A L C O LD -W EATH ER G EA R become a nearly insurmountable obstacle in the way of staying active during the winter.

Adults and children alike often experience a decrease in physical activity as the cold sets in, especially before snow accumulation allows for outdoor activities like sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing. However, there are options for every lifestyle for bringing exercise inside during the school year.

One of the biggest hurdles for families with busy schedules is finding the time to make sure everyone is getting enough exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control, children and adolescents should do at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day to ensure the development of healthy bodies and motor skills. However, that hour doesn’t need to be achieved all at once, according to Dr. Saori Braun of UW-Eau Claire’s kinesiology department. Parents can find 15 or 20 minutes at a time to inspire their kids to move around, and the time adds up quickly.

The next step is to work physical activity into a family’s lifestyle. It can be as easy as inviting children to help out with age-appropriate housework, or as involved as signing them up for classes at one (or more) of the various indoor recreation centers in the Chippewa Valley.

Helping keep the house tidy is a great way for children to stay moving inside, according to Braun. Laundry, for example, requires children to squat and lift clothing, which is a resistance exercise, and carry it to and from the washer and dryer. Taking the laundry up and down stairs is an aerobic activity that gets the heart pumping and works the respiratory system.

Once the chores are done, turn on some music and dance! Dancing

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is something families can enjoy together, and when parents engage with their children through dance they show them that physical activity is fun and fulfilling.

Parental involvement is very important to instilling a love of activity in young people, Braun said. Studies show that when children have active caretakers, they are more likely to be active themselves. “It’s a behavior change that has to happen in adults, so they can be role models for kids,” Braun said of developing exercise habits.

If you need to take the show on the road, look for ways to get the family active while you’re out. Mayo Clinic Health System sponsors a play area for small children in Oakwood Mall that has safe equipment for children to climb and play on. If your child is old enough, when you’re at the grocery store allow him or her to walk instead of riding in the cart.

The Chippewa Valley has a multitude of options for indoor fitness in the form of events, activities, classes and leagues.

Plan a weekly family outing to Hobbs Ice Arena for open skating, go bowling or rollerblading, or visit a trampoline park.

For more structured activity, parents can enroll their children in any of the multitude of classes offered in the area. The Eau Claire YMCA and its L.E. Phillips YMCA Indoor Sports Center offer sports leagues and lessons for youths and adults.

Braun admits that as a former gymnast she might be biased, but she recommends gymnastics as an excellent choice for young people. Even beginner classes for toddlers encourage healthy bone, muscle, and respiratory development through running, jumping, and climbing.

“Play is so much more important for kids than making them exercise,” Braun said. When movement is fun, children make positive associations with being active and are more likely to pursue

physical activity later in life.

Classes and group activities allow children to play with others, which helps develop social skills alongside physical ones. “When kids play together with other kids, there’s a sense of unity,” Braun said. This feeling, along with working together with others, develops a child’s self-confidence.

Exercise is helpful to academic and intellectual improvement as well. When children are active, the blood flow to their brains is increased, aiding in brain development.

Additionally, children who get enough physical playtime are better able to focus in more sedentary situations such as class, improving behavior and retention.

As children grow into adolescents, their playtime can become more structured with classes and organized sports.

Basketball and volleyball are

great for continuing bone development: Specifically, jumping causes good stress on bones, which induces structural improvement.

For families with children who have cognitive, physical, or sensory disabilities, the UWEC kinesiology department offers a specialized recreation program weekly at the McPhee Physical Education building on campus.

Founded by Dr. Marquell Johnson, an associate professor at UWEC, Physical Activity and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities in the Eau Claire Area (PRIDE) is suited to children 5-16 years old with varying ability levels.

“Taking care of kids, that in itself is a lot of physical activity,” Braun said. But it’s worthwhile.

Maintaining an active family lifestyle helps ensure that children grow up healthy and strong and teaches them to love moving.

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C O M M U N I T Y / L I V I N G / D I S C O V E R Y / C R E AT I V I T Y / A C T I V I T Y / E V E N T S / G U I D E S / P E R S P E C T I V E S

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FIT FAMILY LISTINGS GET UP AND GO

Mommy and Me Yoga - Session 2 Every Wednes-

day from Jan. 9 to Jan. 30 , 9:30-10:15am • River Prairie Center, 1445 Front Porch Place, Altoona • $25/session • 6 months - 4 years and parent • (715) 839-5188 • ci.altoona.wi.us This class focuses on you, your child and what they want to do. Some classes will be different than others, but they will always be relaxing, fun and full of laughter.

Family Open Swim and Gym Every Wednesday

until Dec. 19, 6:30-9pm; Every Wednesday from Jan. 2 to Mar. 20 , 6:30-9pm • South Middle School, 2115 Mitscher Ave., Eau Claire • $4 or City Pass • All Ages • (715) 839-5032 • south.ecasd.k12.wi.us Stay active this Fall and winter at Family Open Swim and Gym. Equipment will be provided for the open gyms. Appropriate indoor shoes are required in the gym. Children 2 and under are FREE.

Family Fun Zone Every Monday, Thursday, Friday

until May. 31 , 9-11:30am • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • $3 member; $5 community • Ages 0-6 • ecsportscenter. com Children and parents enjoy open play on the large turf field filled with numerous toys, games, sports equipment, inflatables, and dress up clothes.

Organized activities are also offered at different times each morning which children may participate in if they choose or continue with open play.

Toddler-Parent Movement Development Class

Every Saturday until May. 31 , 11-11:45am • Anandaworks Wellness and Education Center, 320 Putnam St. Suite 123 • Donations • Ages 1-5 with adult • (715) 514-4648 • baredfeet.co Help your toddler move through developmental stages of movement and increase their capacity for learning, help them tire those bodies and use their creativity, and see your child in a new light! With BaredFeet Co.

Tween Yoga - Session 3 Every Tuesday from Jan.

8 to Jan. 29 , 5:30-6:15pm • River Prairie Center, 1445 Front Porch Place, Altoona • $25 • (715) 839-5188 • ci.altoona.wi.us This class offers tweens an opportunity to safely explore who they are and the roles they might play in the world. This class incorporates discussion, yoga poses, relaxation and meditation. Pre-Registration can be done online or at the Altoona Parks & Recreation Office.

School’s Out Rink Rat Hockey Feb. 21, 22 & 25,

12:45-1:45pm, 11:30am-12:30pm • Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • $4 or City Pass • Ages 7-10, 11-14 • (715) 839-5032 • ci.eauclaire.wi.us Open hockey time for youth players by age. Must have full equipment. Ages 15 and older not permitted to skate in Rink Rats. Ages 7-10 (11:30 - 12:30) Ages 11-14 (12:45-1:45)

Centershot Youth Archery Every Saturday from

Jan. 26 to Mar. 16 , 10am-noon • Chippewa Valley Bible Church, 531 East South Avenue, Chippewa Falls • FREE • Ages 10+ • (715) 723-2872 • cvbc. net No prior archery experience is needed and bows are supplied. If you have your own bow, you are encouraged to bring it.

Sport Tykes ABCs Every Monday from Feb. 4 to

Mar. 18 , 5:15-6pm • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • $75members, $80 community • Ages 3-4 • ecsportscenter.com Every week has a different theme which emphasizes learning new athletic and motor skills along with following directions and learning rules to basic games. Parents may participate with children in this program, but it is not required.

Sport Tykes Soccer Every Monday from Feb. 4

to Mar. 18 , 6:05-6:50pm • Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • $70 members, $80 non-members • Ages 4-5 • eauclaireymca.org Come join in the fun and learn skills specific to dribbling, kicking, and blocking the ball. Children will get a chance to participate with others along with learning

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ANDREA PAULSETH

the basic rules of the game in a group setting. (Shin guards are optional).

Sport Tykes Sampler Every Wednesday from Feb. 6

to Mar. 20 , 6:35-7:20pm • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • $70 members; $80 non-members • Ages 4-5 • ecsportscenter. com Children are welcome to enjoy a variety of sports by learning a new and exciting one each week. Along with having fun together, there will be a strong emphasis on learning to take turns and follow directions. Includes basketball, volleyball, t-ball, soccer, kickball, football, and track.

Friday Family Night Every Friday until May. 10

, 5-9pm • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire • Member $3, Community $5 • eauclaireymca.org/family-programs Open to all families, kids and their friends every Friday night.

Activities include basketball, volleyball, soccer, inflatables, movies, free popcorn, and special entertainment. Check the movie schedule online.

Mommy and Me Yoga - Session 3 Every Wednes-

day from Feb. 6 to Feb. 27 , 9:30-10:15am • River Prairie Center, 1445 Front Porch Place, Altoona • $25/session • 6 months-4 years old and parent • (715) 839-5188 • ci.altoona.wi.us This class focuses on you, your child and what they want to do. Some classes will be different than others, but they will always be relaxing, fun and full of laughter.

Bust A Move 1- Session 2 Every Thursday from

Feb. 7 to Feb. 28 , 6-6:30pm • Altoona City Park Recreation Center, 2303 Garfield Ave., Altoona • $20 Resident of Altoona; $25 Non-Resident of Altoona • 4-6 years old • (715) 839-5188 • ci.altoona. wi.us Are you ready to get your groove on? Join this unique class and learn a combination of dance moves all while making new friends and creating new memories. All are welcome and no experience is necessary; just a desire to dance and have fun.

Bust A Move 2 - Session 2 Every Thursday from

Feb. 7 to Feb. 28 , 6:30-7:15pm • Altoona City Park Recreation Center, 2303 Garfield Ave., Altoona • $30 Resident of Altoona; $35 Non-Resident of Altoona • 7-12 years old • (715) 839-5188 • ci.altoona.

wi.us Are you ready to get your groove on? Join this unique class and learn a combination of dance moves all while making new friends and creating new memories. All are welcome and no experience is necessary; just a desire to dance and have fun.

Menomonie Polar Plunge Feb. 9, noon-6pm • Wakanda Park, Wakanda Park Rd. and Pine Ave. E, Menomonie • $75 • All Ages • (715) 833-0833 • polarplungewi.org Support Special Olympics Wisconsin and athletes and jump into iced cold water to celebrate. Join hundreds as they put on wacky costumes, jump in a lake and earn prizes all while supporting Special Olympics WI athletes including those in Dunn County.

Eau Claire Polar Plunge Feb. 24, noon-6pm • Half Moon Beach, 615 Randall Street, Eau Claire • $75 • All Ages • (715) 833-0833 • polarplungewi.org Support Special Olympics Wisconsin and athletes and jump into iced cold water to celebrate. Join hundreds as they put on wacky costumes, jump in a lake and earn prizes all while supporting Special Olympics WI athletes including those in Eau Claire County.

C O M M U N I T Y / L I V I N G / D I S C O V E R Y / C R E AT I V I T Y / A C T I V I T Y / E V E N T S / G U I D E S / P E R S P E C T I V E S

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WORKOUT PLACES WITH CHILDCARE

Chippewa Valley Family YMCA 611 Jefferson

Ave., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-2201 • lynnb@ chippewaymca.com • chippewaymca.com Free weights and machines. Basketball, volleyball, racquetball, indoor track, and pool. Classes on strength/endurance, body sculpting, cardio, yoga, pilates, dance, indoor cycling, swimming, gymnastics, and martial arts. First aid, lifeguard, and babysitting training. Massage, spa/sauna, kids’ events and classes, and childcare.

Girls on the Run of the Chippewa Valley 2004

Highland Ave. Suite P, Eau Claire • (715) 514-5075 • girlsontherunec@gmail.com • gotrchippewavalley.org Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-5th grade. GOTR teaches life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K running event. Donate

or volunteer to be a running buddy, a coach, or help with events, fundraising or writing grants. Program runs February-May.

Hobbs Ice Arena 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire •

(715) 839-5040 • Learn more online HERE In addition to a ton of leagues, Hobbs offers youth open hockey clinics on Wednesday evenings. Open skate times are Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Rentals available.

There is an admission fee.

UW-Stout SEGA Gymnastics 224A Sports & Fitness

Cente, Menomonie • (715) 232-5187 • athletics. uwstout.edu Stout Elite Gymnastics Academy (SEGA) Classes holds gymnastics classes in the sports & fitness center.

YMCA 611 Jefferson Ave., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-

2201 • chippewaymca.com Youth organization that provides local kids with a safe, fun, and energetic place to have fun and stay fit.

Eau Claire YMCA 700 Graham Ave., Eau Claire

• 715) 836-8460 • ken@eauclaireymca.org • eauclaireymca.org Free weights and machines.

Basketball, volleyball, racquetball, indoor track, and pool. Classes on strength/endurance, body sculpting, cardio, yoga, pilates, dance, indoor cycling, swimming, gymnastics, and martial arts. First aid, lifeguard, and babysitting training.

Massage, spa/sauna, kids’ events and classes, and childcare.

Gold’s Gym 3225 Lorch Ave., Eau Claire

• (715) 552-4570 • goldsgym.com/eauclairewi/ Personal training, free weights, and machines. Basketball, volleyball, cardio cinema, and pool. Classes in strength/endurance, cardio, body sculpting, pilates, yoga, circuit, spinning, and dance. Nutritional counseling, beverage bar, tanning, pro shop, kids’ services, and spa/sauna.

Latitude 44 Yoga Studio 313 E. Madison St.,

Eau Claire • (715) 828-3936 • Amy@Latitude44Yoga.com • latitude44yoga.com Latitude 44 Yoga Studio is the Chippewa Valley’s hot yoga studio. We offer a full class schedule seven days per week, featuring Hot Power Yoga, Beginner Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Kids Yoga, Workshops, and fun events.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CENTERS Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center 3456

Craig Rd., Eau Claire • (715) 552-1200 • ecsportscenter.com Offers a variety of indoor sports activities including batting cages and leagues. Also has pucks and nets to use for free during open gym times. Not on ice. Call ahead to find out open gym times as they vary day to day.

Eau Claire Sport Warehouse 2983 11th

St., Eau Claire • (715) 514-5944 • info@ ecsportwarehouse.com • ecsportwarehouse. com An indoor space for sports enthusiasts with programming for all ages. Group training boot camp classes available in morning or evening sessions. Featuring three batting cages, weight training/fitness area, basketball/ volleyball sport court, multipurpose spaces, rentals, private and small lessons and clinics for softball, baseball, strength & conditioning, volleyball, basketball, and more.

Eau Claire YMCA 700 Graham Ave., Eau

Claire • (715) 836-8460 • eauclaireymca. org Youth organization that provides local kids with a safe, fun, and energetic place to have fun and stay fit. Free weights and machines.

Basketball, volleyball, racquetball, indoor track, and pool.

Eau Claire YMCA Kid’s Gym 400 Gra-

ham Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 836-8460 • eauclaireymca.org Packed with a rope swing, basketball hoop, climbing wall, balance beam and Space Maze, the YMCA Kid’s Gym is designed to keep your child moving. Most of these facilities are offered at no cost to members, with a nominal fee for non-members.

Exceptional Athletics 800 Wisconsin St.

(Banbury Place, Bld 4 - Ste 213), Eau Claire • (715) 514-4640 • exathletics.com EXA provides your children with a fun atmosphere to learn about cheerleading, tumbling, obstacle course training, and gymnastics.

C O M M U N I T Y / L I V I N G / D I S C O V E R Y / C R E AT I V I T Y / A C T I V I T Y / E V E N T S / G U I D E S / P E R S P E C T I V E S

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MARTIAL ARTS

and group settings focusing on the three core values of honor, discipline, and respect.

D4 - Suite 209), Eau Claire • info@academyeauclaire. com • academyeauclaire.com Offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults and kids, group and personal training, and Muay Thai kickboxing.

Eau Claire • (715) 834-5766 • justaekwondo.com Taekwondo classes in both private and group settings.

Classes target self-defense, weight control, physical and mental fitness, improved coordination and agility.

The Academy 800 Wisconsin St. (Banbury Place, Bld

Ju’s Taekwondo Karate Academy 415 S. Farwell St.,

AKF Martial Arts Academy of Eau Claire 1606 S.

Karate American - Altoona/Eau Claire 3460 Mall Dr.,

Hastings Way, Suite B, Eau Claire • (715) 613-8282 • akfeauclaire@gmail.com • martialartseauclaire. com Kyuki-Do is focused on helping you and your families achieve goals through martial art techniques, practical self defense, and traditional principles. Offers classes for ages 4 and up, and done in a group setting.

Can also accommodate private lessons.

American Taekwondo & Fitness 800 Wisconsin St.

(Banbury Place, Building 13 - Suite 5), Eau Claire • (715) 513-9787 • contactatf@atf.nu • atf.nu Taekwondo classes in both private and group settings offering fast, hard-hitting cardio workouts. Also offers a fitness membership where members can independently use the facility and equipment during non-class hours.

Combined Fighting Systems 405 Graham Avenue,

Eau Claire • (715) 644-8583 • train-cfs@charter.net • combinedfightingsystems.com CFS provides instruction on a unique defensive system blends the best of several martial arts to increase its effectiveness when used in street defense. Students will learn these martial arts through exciting, realistic, and interactive drills in a safe training environment. Classes are taught in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Elite Karate 410 Bay St., Chippewa Falls • (715)

720-9218 • jasondutton@elitekarate.cmasdirect.com • elitekaratestudios.com Karate instruction in both private

Altoona // W201 Menomonie St., Elk Mound • info@ karate-american.com • karate-american.com Karate instruction for all ages in both private and group settings. Lessons in Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, and Aikido are available.

Land Shark Martial Arts 2524 Suite B. Golf Road, Eau

Claire • (715) 210-5308 • landsharkma.com A traditional Martial Arts school, Land Shark’s focus is on helping to build confidence and learn practical self-defense skills. With a mixture of traditional and mixed martial arts training classes available, you’ll certainly get a solid foundation and understanding of the discipline.

Menomonie Goju Karate Dojo 1807 Wilson St. # A,

Menomonie • (715) 233-9927 • menomoniegoju@hotmail.com • menomoniegoju.com Center for traditional Okinawan Goju Karate, for Menomonie, Eau Claire, and West Central Wisconsin. Traditional Non-Sport oriented Karate Dojo focusing on skill building for life.

Children’s classes for age 7-12. Okinawan style Karate instruction in both private and group settings. Also offers yoga and Tai-Chi.

One Tree Martial Arts 1417 S. Hastings Way, Ste.

B, Eau Claire • (877) ONE-TREE • info@otma.net • onetreemartialarts.com Martial arts instruction for all ages in Taekwondo, Hapkido, Jiu-Jitsu, and several other arts. Also offering women’s self-defense and kickboxing classes.

DANCE STUDIOS

Arthur Murray Dance Studio 401 1/2 S Barstow St.,

Eau Claire • (715) 834-6166 • arthurmurrayec@ sbcglobal.net • arthurmurrayeauclaire.com Arthur Murray teaches rhythm and Latin dances, country western dances, specialty dances, and more. Learn from qualified instructors in a friendly and relaxing environment.

Arthur Murray has a three way approach to teaching dance: private (and couple) lessons, group lessons, and practice parties.

Danz Kraze 800 Wisconsin St. (Banbury Place, Bld 4/6

- Suite 205), Eau Claire • (715) 832-3269 • DanzKraze@gmail.com • danzkraze.com Youth dance teams use Eau Claire’s largest studio space and are modeled after High School dance teams, offering poms, hip hop/ funk, kick, and jazz. Short sessions available for those who are indecisive.

Diamond School of Dance 123 S. Graham Ave., Eau

Claire • (715) 577-1285 • DiamondBallet@aol.com • diamondschoolofdance.com Offers ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, hip-hop, and competitive performance.

Classses begin at age 2 with pre-ballet through adult.

Eau Claire School of Dance 306 Main St., Eau Claire

• (715) 832-9900 • ecschoolofdance@aol.com • eauclaireschoolofdance.com Providing quality dance instruction to the Chippewa Valley since 1998. Classes offered in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, musical theatre, pointe, and more to students age 18 months-adult.

Performance and Competitive Teams are also available.

En Avant School of Dance 3330 North Town Hall Rd.,

Eau Claire • (715) 874-5575 • info@enavantdance.com • enavantdance.com En Avant strives to help children attain self-confidence and the highest level of skill she/

he is capable of achieving.

They provide the foundation for dance to become a lifetime activity that will lead to physical and psychological well-being.

Infinity Dance Studio • (715)

828-3110 • Infinitydances@ gmail.com • infinitydancecenter.info A full-service dance studio devoted to providing exceptional recreational or competitive dance instruction to children ages two through adult. We work on respect, teamwork, and self-confidence through dancing in a family friendly environment.

Janelle’s Irish Dance 316 Eau Claire St, Eau Claire • (715) 563-6057 • janellesirishdance. com Janelle Glenna began teaching Irish dance classes in 2006 with six students and continues to develop further progressive courses of instruction for advancing students - having over 90 students at present in 11 different levels of Irish dance.

Jean Marie’s School of Dance 31 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-8635 • jeanmariedance.com Specializing in children’s classes, Jean Marie offers tap, ballet, jazz, and basic acrobatics. Classes for adults also available.

Jewelry Box Dancer 110 W.

Main St., Menomonie • (715) 563-3534 • jewelryboxdancers@gmail.com • jewelryboxdancers.com This studio teaches children ages 4-14 years old in combined tap, jazz, ballet, and hip hop. Limited adult classes offered as well.

Find Jewelry Box Dancer on Facebook too.

Just for Kix 1412 6th St.,

Menomonie • (715) 505-0460 • menomonie_wi@justforkix.com • justforkix.com Offer proven technical training, a focus on teamwork and a respectful experience to our students. With a strong balance of fun and technique in our classes, we create a teaching environment that is low stress and less pressure. Additionally, our dance classes in Menomonie are very economical.

Penni’s Studio of the Arts

2423 South Main Street, Bloomer • pstudioarts@gmail. com Penni’s offers a safe and friendly environment where students can learn dance, and theater. Dance classes include pre dance, ballet tap, hip hop, jazz, pointe, contemporary ballet, break dancing, modern, acro, musical theatre, and ballroom. Choreography and improv classes available. Also teaches group parties and dances.

Swan Lake Ballet Studio Banbury Place Bldg 13 Ste 122, Eau Claire • (715) 590-8502 • ganna@swanlakeballetstudio. com. • swanlakeballetstudio. com A classic ballet studio featuring classes for ages 3 to adult by Ballet Master Ganna Berge. Swan Lake Ballet Studio brings new opportunities to see the beauty of classical ballet in Eau Claire, educating children on classical ballet choreography.

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