Children groove, exercise at YMCA

Following instruction from Kim Degney, Kids Groove participants "drive tractors" and "pick corn" as they dance to "Cotton-Eyed Joe" during the new kids exercise class at the YMCA of Southeast Missouri in Sikeston. Kids Groove includes Zumba-inspired dance moves along with basic strength training to improve balance, coordination, discipline and confidence. Leonna Heuring, Staff

In addition to modeling the latest fitness craze, the new class called Kids Groove incorporates basic strength training to improve balance, coordination, discipline and confidence.

"It's something to get kids moving and help them recognize the structure of music and using their imagination and the mind, body and spirt it encompasses," said Kids Groove instructor Kim Degney, who has experience teaching dance to children of all ages.

Degney described Kids Groove as a "movement and activity-based exercise class" for children 5 to 10 years old.

"This class includes workouts that are fun and improve fitness level at the same time," Degney said.

Since the program began June 14, class size has averaged 20 children per session. Forty-five minute sessions are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays.

One of her goals is to get children to love exercising, Degney said.

"I want them to feel good about sweating and exercising and helping their bodies," Degney said.

For the entire story, see the June 24 edition of the Standard Democrat or click here to log on to the electronic edition.