Have you heard of Kids Kamp Challenge brought to you by the acclaimed owner of the popular Boot Camp Challenge? Melissa Grattan, of Make It Fit, LLC and licensee of Boot Camp Challenge, is the mastermind behind this new kids program. Kids Kamp Challenge is an 8 week program for kids age 5- 12. The program meets once a week for 45 minutes, and focuses on improving cardiovascular endurance and teaching them the importance of nutrition. The last trial sessions starts on April 20th.
Let’s learn more about Make It Fit and Kids Kamp Challenge…
Tell me about you…how did you start Make It Fit?
“I started MIF in 2003 when I found out I was pregnant with my second son. I was working a full-time office job with one child in daycare. When I found out I was pregnant with my second son, I decided that my goal would be to put my kids on the bus every day and get them off the bus every day from Kindergarten through graduation, so I started my own business where I could set my own hours doing something I loved.”
Did you always want to be a personal trainer?
“Heck no. I was not athletic at all growing up. I was the girl that would wear her mini skirt and pumps to gym class on “run the mile” day so I wouldn’t have to run. I only started exercising in college when I gained the freshman “15”. I started jogging to lose weight and immediately fell in love with many different types of exercise. After becoming healthier, I decided I wanted to teach others how to become healthy and fit.”
How long have you been in business and how many different classes do you offer?
“I have been in business since 2003. When I started MIF, I taught a few group fitness classes locally, but mostly focused on in-home personal training. Since then, I have expanded my company offering several different programs including Boot Camp Challenge® and Kids Kamp Challenge® and I have a team of 7 trainers. We run programs throughout the Capital District year round.”
Congrats on starting Kids Kamp! What made you decide to expand to a kids program?
“Childhood obesity is an epidemic. According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. It is crucial that we get our kids away from the smart phones, video games and computers and get them MOVING!”
Tell us a little about Kids Kamp…what do the kids do?
“KKC is a 45 minute class and we keep them moving the entire time. They may warm up with a military cadence or with a game of some sort. The meat of the workout may consist of relays to build cardiovascular endurance and team camaraderie, muscular strengthening exercises such as basic pushups, sit ups, squats, and balance, agility and coordination exercises and games. After we cool down, we always talk with them during their stretch about their nutrition.”
Why is it important for kids to be a part of this?
“Our children need to learn healthy, life-long exercise and nutrition habits at a young age so we can beat the obesity epidemic for kids and adults. If we teach them healthy habits now, they can pass it on to future generations.”
Do you teach the kids about nutrition during the program?
“Yes, they keep a food journal and their coach reviews them each week giving positive reinforcement and encouragement. They also receive handouts each week with nutrition tips that they can bring home to implement immediately with their families.”
What age does the program target and how often does it meet?
“We meet once per week for 8 weeks and we have a session for 5-9 years of age and 9-12 years of age.”
When does the next session start and how can parents sign their kids up?
“We are running our last trial session (4 weeks) starting on April 20th and parents can sign up by visiting www.makeitfittraining.com or by calling Julie Pascazio, Kids Kamp Challenge Program Manager at 810-3350.”

Melissa Grattan, owner of Make It Fit, LLC and licensee of Boot Camp Challenge, is an internationally certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Counselor through the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) as well as a certified Primary Group Fitness Instructor and Indoor Cycling Instructor. She has also trained in Nutrition Counseling, Prenatal Fitness, Cardio Kickboxing, Mat Science, and the Stability Ball. Besides being a personal trainer and business owner, Melissa is also a wife and mother of two young children, who understands the hectic life of motherhood and the challenge it brings to fitting exercise into her schedule.
(518) 366-1901
makefit@nycap.rr.com
http://makeitfittraining.com/