The mid-October cold front and subsequent, albeit brief, snowfall that blew through Bergen County certainly served as a reminder that winter is almost here. Keeping fit during the warmer months is tough enough but once the cold weather rolls in, many folks, particularly younger teenagers, seem to blend right into the sofa while waiting for the spring thaw.

Keeping your children in shape and exercising over the winter months can be difficult for many, particularly if there isn’t enough money in the budget to join a gym or have a personal trainer. There are a host of programs and facilities throughout Bergen County, though, that offer a wide variety of options for youngsters of all ages and financial means to stay in shape.

“What we want to do is make an emotional connection with the child,” said Bill Parisi of Parisi Fitness Center in Fair Lawn. “The first step is to motivate them. The most important thing is to help get a kid to change his behavior and make an emotional connection. If you can link his or her aspirations to hard work, you can make a behavioral change.”

Getting creative is often an excellent way to keep your kids interested in staying fit. So try rock climbing in Upper Saddle River, dancing in Ridgewood, swimming at the YMCA or martial arts, instruction in which is available in just about every town in Bergen County. There is something for everyone; you simply have to look.

The state of the economy, however, has impacted enough people in North Jersey that even if you are creative the financial resources aren’t always available. Dr. Maury Buchalter of Tenafly Pediatrics offers several solutions that don’t require much financial outlay in order to keep your kids in shape.

“Not everyone has the resources to enroll their kids with a private fitness instructor,” Buchalter said. “If you have a child that fits that category, then try team sports or individual sports. I think it’s necessary because we’ve all seen the amount of physical fitness in the schools decrease. You can’t rely on a child being in gym class twice a week, especially for those kids who sit on couches.”

Buchalter suggests a treadmill or a stationary bike at home as a wonderful cost-effective alternative. It’s a one-time expense that children and adults can use when reading, working or doing homework.

“If your child wants to watch TV, tell them they can watch as long as they walk on the treadmill or ride the bike while doing it,” Buchalter said. “They can read on the bike as well. You can always take a family walk, too. I hate to rely on video games like Wii, though, because after a week or so, kids lose interest. Get something like that as a last resort.”

Here is a sampling of fitness centers in Bergen County that provide excellent options for keeping kids trim during the winter months:

The Gravity Vault, Upper Saddle River: Free tryouts are available and every Wednesday is college and teen night.
www.gravityvault.com; 201-934-7625.

Kaeos Fitness, Englewood: A personal training center with an emphasis on optimal individual workout sessions that accommodate children, teenagers, adults and seniors. The first two sessions are free.
www.kaeos.com; 201-567-0429

Kozlov Dance Studio, Ridgewood: Dancing is a wonderful way for boys and girls to get exercise and stay in shape. There are no requirements for beginner classes.
www.kozlovdance.com; 201-444-3223

Parisi Fitness Centers: There are five North Jersey locations, including centers in Fair Lawn and Midland Park.
www.parisifitnesscenter.com; 201-794-8666

Volt Fitness, Glen Rock: Fitness circuit for kids is available weekdays from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. with the final session beginning at 7:30.
www.voltfitnessusa.com; 201-857-3800

YMCA of Greater Bergen County: The YMCA in most towns has a comprehensive youth fitness program that includes swimming and offers a less expensive alternative than programs found at a private club.
www.ymcagbc.org; 201-487-6600