YMCA launches new fitness app for NYC teens

If you ask a teen what one thing he or she would want while stranded on a desert island with, the answer will almost inevitably be their phone. Knowing teens’ phones are pretty much an extension of themselves, the YMCA of Greater New York has developed an app for teens to get fit without parting from their favorite device.

Available for free in the iTunes app store — and for members and nonmembers of the YMCA — the Y-MVP app has playlists of various exercise routines targeted specifically for teens. The workouts resemble a game with challenges the users must try to beat. The challenges cross cardio, strength building, cross training and flexibility and don’t involve any equipment.

The app idea stems from an in-depth look that look place last year at the YMCA’s goal to get teens more active. Assistant Dean and Professor at Wayne State University Dr. Nate McCaughtry found that the combination of tech and physical activity was highly effective. During his research, he found that 95 percent of participates found that the challenges and badges motivated themselves to work out more on their own.

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