SHREWSBURY _ Empowering young women and opening them up to a more happy, healthy, and balanced way of living is the overall premise behind, You Go, Girl!, a summer program put on by Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services, Inc. The four week program, for girls between the ages of 11 -14, is designed to enhance their social and relationship skills, and help them develop their self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills. Each week, a different theme is presented, exploring topics that span the gamut from team building and cooperation, to body image, women’s portrayal in the media, nutrition, and thinking of fun ways to stay active.
Recently, Julianne “Julie” Roderick, one of the summer program leaders, contacted Rita Matraia, of Northborough’s The Core Connection, requesting her participation in the program.
“I originally reached out to Rita because I knew she had a well-respected fitness/yoga studio in Northborough and I live close to the area (where The Core Connection is located),” Roderick said.
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After visiting Matraia’s website, Roderick was pleased to see that The Core Connection offers a teen yoga class.
“I thought Rita’s studio would be the perfect partner for our program,” she continued. “When I emailed Rita, she responded immediately.”
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Matraia quickly agreed to donate her time to work with the girls participating in both July summer camp sessions.
The first hour-long session was held at the First Congregational Church in Shrewsbury on July 8, and featured Matraia and one of her yoga instructors, Caitlin Borsini.
“The girls loved the yoga and Pilates day,” said Roderick. “They were pumped to do it and both Rita and Caitlin were not only energetic and fun, but also so informative. Caitlin stressed that every day our bodies can feel differently, explaining that on some days we may be more or less flexible. She assured the group that it’s all okay as long as we aren’t pushing our bodies and feeling pain.”
“Rita pushed the girls just enough with the Pilates and, as a result, they got a great workout. Because it was age appropriate, the girls responded really well,” said Roderick.
“The girls were just great,” Matraia said. “We brought in yoga mats and fitness weighted balls for them to use. We talked about the importance of movement, and how movement can make you feel good. The program we put on for the girls tied in completely with the theme of the You Go Girl! Summer program. Exercise needs to be a part of the girls’ lives. Fitness helps everyone.”
Matraia mirrored her presentation after Strong Body-Strong Mind, a program for teen girls, which she offers at her studio. The non-competitive, full body program promotes self-confidence in teens by showing them they are strong, capable, and can achieve any goal they set for themselves. A similar program is also being held for teen boys.
“It’s so important that girls feel comfortable in their own skin and learn to overcome self-consciousness, and feel strong in both the body and the mind,” Matraia said.
“Overall, the girls were excited to participate in Rita’s program, and their excitement lasted long after Rita and Caitlin left. The girls also had a lot of questions afterward, showing how engaged they were in the session,” Roderick said.
The Core Connection LLC offers a myriad of classes ranging from different types of yoga, Pilates, Pilates reformer machines, barre fit, Zumba®, circuit training, barefoot cardio, golf training, teen and pre-teen classes, and private training. For more information on The Core Connection LLC, visit www.thecoreconnection.com.
