Circus Academy of Tucson

Teacher Katherine Tesch demonstrates a routine during an Advanced Kids Silks class at The Circus Academy of Tucson, 400 W. Speedway.

If your kids are more into tech than tag, it can be hard to get them up and moving for the recommended 60 minutes a day. 

But don't give up.

You can fight the lure of the glowing screen and comfy chair with our list of fun fitness ideas for kids.

We found activities that are a little different than baseball or soccer. 

Instead, you'll find BMX racing, rock climbing, martial arts and more. 

Capoeira

Tucson Capoeira Beginners Class for Kids at Movement Culture 5 p.m. Wednesdays. 

Martial arts meets dance at Capoeira class for kids ages 5-12. They'll work on coordination, balance, flexibility, rhythm, basic acrobatic skills and self-esteem, as well as get in a good cardio workout. Additionally, students will learn basic commands, songs and greetings in Portuguese. 

Where: Tucson Capoeira at Movement Culture, 435 E. Ninth Street

When: 4:30 p.m. Monday and 5 p.m. Wednesday

Cost: $30 per month; $15 additional sibling. You can also get a punch card for 10 classes for $150

More info: Click here

Yoga 4 Youth

This seven-week yoga session is offered throughout the school year for children ages 5 to 11. There's also a YogaHour adult class available at the same time if you want to take a class, too. 

The kids' program includes practicing poses, short meditations, learning to breathe in different ways for different situations and offers the opportunity to improve flexibility, strength and peacefulness.

There will be games, journaling, partner yoga and learning the history of yoga. 

Where: YogaOasis Central, 2631 N. Campbell Ave. 

When: Session 1 starts Jan. 11 with sessions at 4:15 p.m. on Thursdays for seven weeks. 

Cost: $80 for the 7 week session or $13 drop in per class

More info: Click here

Youth Jiu Jitsu

They'll learn the foundation and basics of jiu jitsu in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. As they advance, they'll learn about being competitive and developing their own skill set. P.S. This gym also has a kinder class for kids ages 3 to 5.

Where: Undisputed Fitness & Training Center, 1240 N. Stone Ave.

When: 10 a.m. Saturdays; 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays

Cost: There are three options. You can sign up with no contract for $95 per month and a $220 startup fee; a six-month contract for $85 per month and $210 startup fee or a one-year contract for $75 per month and a $200 startup fee. Includes a gi and belt. 

More info: Click here

TeenFit Studio

Teens can drop in for $10 a class or save a little and buy a Class Pass, says Daisha Enos, who opened TeenFit Studio with her husband, Aron.

This is Tucson's only group fitness studio that caters to kids in sixth through 12th grade (and their parents). Classes include Pound, InSANITY, PiYO, P90X and more. 

Where: TeenFit Studio, 7407 E. 22nd Street

When: Hours are 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 5-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday

Cost: $10 per class or get 10 classes for $80. Get one month of unlimited classes for two or more members of your family for $99. 

Special: All classes are free Jan. 8-11.

More info: Click here

Beginning Kids Circus

Teacher Katherine Tesch watches at right while students warm up during an Advanced Kids Silks class at The Circus Academy of Tucson. “The kids are really confident up there,” one mother said. “It makes you feel secure to see that confidence.”  For kids who aren't experienced or want to try a variety of circus arts classes, the academy recommends Beginning Kids Circus.

In this class, children, ages 7-18 will be introduced to different aspects of the circus arts including tumbling, tightrope, globe, rola bola, juggling, trapeze, sling and stretching.

The spring session runs from Jan. 8 through May 12.

Where: Circus Academy of Tucson, 400 W. Speedway Blvd.

When: 4 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays

Cost: $164 for once class per week for the session. Drop-in classes are $20.

More info: Click here

Kids Climb

 The original Rocks and Ropes is at 330 S. Toole Ave., just south of East Broadway, 882-5924. 

We've never heard of a kid who didn't enjoy climbing on things, which makes Rocks and Ropes' Kids Climb perfect. They'll work muscles they didn't know they had and all you have to do is watch while Rocks and Ropes volunteers belay the kids. 

Where: Rocks & Ropes, 330 S. Toole Ave.

When: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays

Cost: $15

More info: Program is for kids ages 12-and-under and caps out at 30. Admission closes at 9:30 a.m. Click here for more details.

Roller skating

Lance Ryberg, right, herds children towards the skating rink during his daughter's birthday party at Skate Country on Sunday Nov. 20, 2011. Daughter Jillian Ryberg, 6, foreground leads the way. 

You can take the kids roller skating for fun exercise. Monday nights are dollar nights at Skate Country, if you want to just skate. 

Or, you can sign them up for group skating lessons. For $65, they'll receive lessons from a coach with 32 years of experience once a week for six weeks. The next session starts Saturday and there is a $5 fee for week-of registration. 

Where: Skate Country, 7980 E. 22nd Street

When: Dollar night is from 6-8 p.m. Mondays. Lessons are held at 9 a.m. Saturdays

Cost: $1 on Monday nights plus $3 skate rentals (bring your own skates if you have them)

More info: Click here

BMX racing

BMX racing is a fun way to get the kids moving.

Bike riding is obviously a great workout. Add a little competition on a cool, official track, and the kids will think it's fun.

Children as young as 2 can start racing, said Andy Erickson, Tucson BMX track operator. 

There are dedicated days for practice, clinics and races.

Where: Tucson BMX, 9245 E. Irvington Road

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursdays for practice and 6:30 Fridays for races

Cost: $30 for a one month membership or $60 for the year then $7 to practice; $10 to race

More info: Rental bike are available. Click here for details


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Angela Pittenger | This Is Tucson