Salem YMCA Kicks Off "Step it Up" Program

Step it Up is an initiative by the YMCA of the North Shore that aims to encourage all 5th graders to get daily physical activity. The Step it Up program kicked off with a celebration event at the Bentley School today, October 16th at 8:30am.

Each 5th grader received a t-shirt and a pedometer to begin their steps to healthy living. From October 21 through November 10, all of the Ys across the North Shore in locations including Salem, Beverly, Gloucester, Ipswich, Haverhill and Marblehead are launching Step it Up programs in local schools in an effort to promote physical activity at a regional level.

Though physical education classes are part of the curriculum at every grade level, school departments in Salem and throughout the North Shore are participating in the Y’s Step it Up program to ensure that health and wellness are an integral part of students’ days both inside and outside of the classroom this year.

Charity Lezama, Teen and Aquatics Director for the Salem YMCA, explains that research shows elementary school is a crucial time for students to develop healthy habits. “We know from experience that 5th grade is a sensitive period for development, especially when it comes to starting good habits,” Lezama said. “We also begin seeing trends of physical inactivity starting in the 5th grade. We want to combat that in our community.”

Once a school signs on to participate, physical education teachers and classroom teachers work together with the Y on this fun and informative program. The Y provides materials to participating schools including a letter to parents describing the program, step tracking cards for each student, t-shirt and a pedometer. At the end of the four weeks, the classroom with the most steps will earn the title of the healthiest classroom and school in the city.

Step It Up was launched in 2009 at the YMCA of the North Shore’s Beverly Sterling YMCA, to target 5th graders, kids at an age where studies show physical activity tends to taper off and when healthy habits are best established. The Y wants to show kids that physical activity can be just as much fun as playing video games or sitting at the computer, and it’s also good for their health.

For more information on the kickoff event and the Step It Up program in Salem, please contact Salem YMCA Teen & Aquatics Director, Charity Lezama, at

lezamac@northshoreymca.org or 978.740.9622 x1504. 

About the YMCA of the North Shore

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For over 150 years, the YMCA of the North Shore has been strengthening the foundations of community for the more than 40,000 members it serves in 25 cities and towns. We nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support our neighbors; regardless of age, race, ethnicity or socio-economic background. www.northshoreymca.org.