Fitness and Fun

Hoping to keep my “cool mom” status with my 8- and 10-year-old boys for as long as possible, I agreed to give parkour a try.
As a timesaver, I’ll share the definition of parkour, because I had to look it up:
par·kour (noun): the sport of moving through an area, negotiating obstacles by running, jumping, and climbing.
NinjaQuest Parkour & Ninja Warrior gym was recommended as the place for families. When we arrived, the welcoming staff provided a tour of the facility from the party room to the viewing room (where my husband firmly planted himself) to the fitness floor.
We had signed up for the (mandatory) Intro to PK-Warrior class. Under the guidance of experienced Ninja Warrior/Parkour instructors, we were shepherded through the climbs and jumps of each station. Did I mention experienced instructors? One of our instructors was Ryan Stratis, from American Ninja Warrior TV fame! I was relieved to learn that safety is a high priority at NinjaQuest with instructors watching closely until each station had been successfully negotiated.
After the Intro class, we participated in open gym where I met a few families that liked to combine exercise with fun. As we worked our way through the stations, my kids especially enjoyed dusting their hands to tackle the Salmon Ladder, unstable bridge and more.
It was an easy opportunity for me to let my boys lead me through the gym. As they completed an activity, they would coach me on how I should stand, grip or jump my way to success. NinjaQuest has achieved a loyal following, with families and groups traveling from surrounding states to work out. You may even get a glimpse of professional stunt performers honing their techniques as they prepare for TV or movie productions.
Unlike other fitness facilities that dictate goals, NinjaQuest allows you to set your own goal. Some come to have fun, some come to sharpen their thinking skills as they make decisions on how best to get from one area to another, while others dream of making it to American Ninja Warrior status.
Several NinjaQuest members are kids who prefer making individual goals rather than participating in a team sport. No matter your personal, family or group goal, NinjaQuest is is dedicated to helping you succeed.
Know Before You Go: Participants must be at least 8 years old. Open gym time, classes and private instruction available; walk-in open gym is $15 per visit with packages available for annual membership and classes. Parents can download a waiver form and fill it out before arriving. Warriors can bring their own bottled water. Parents are not required to remain on-site (a perfect time to run errands or sneak in a coffee date!)
– Dana diLorenzo