Children hone their athletic edge after school By Chelsey Pletts correspondent MIDDLETON – It was difficult to distinguish one whizzing green jersey from another as the students at Howe-Manning raced through an obstacle course yesterday. The after-school program, Athletic Kids, created by certified personal trainer, nutritionist and sports enhancement specialist Peter “Rep” Reppas, puts students’ agility to the test. “We want kids that want to work to get better at their sport,” Reppas said. “If we teach how to do something correctly now, we don’t have to fix bad habits later.” Twenty-seven students, ages 6 through 12, bounced through an obstacle course that included speed ladders, reaction balls and plyometric stations, which are used to create fast, powerful movements while improving the nervous system. The students cheered each other on as peers waited eagerly for their turn. “It’s really fun,” said Daniel Gregorio, a fifth-grader in the program. “It helps with your quickness.” Reppas, founder of Repertoire Fitness Inc. in Beverly, began training athletes in 2000. He traveled around the country, often living with his athletes to gain control over their eating and exercise regimens. Working with professional athletes, such as Randy Moss of the New England Patriots and Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls, Reppas trains clients using his program that enforces “head-to-toe training” combining nutrition and physical activity. Jodi Sampson said her son, Michael, has become more focused since participating in MARK LORENZ/Staff Photos Peter Reppas encourages Renaldo Musto, 11, during workouts at Howe Manning Elementary School’s six-week after-school program called Athletic Kids. the six-week program. “You can really see the kids gain a great sense of pride when they leave,” Sampson said. The program began on Feb. 26 and runs until March 31 and costs $72 for the six weeks. The group meets every Tuesday for an hour after school. “In order to get an edge, we have to start them off earlier in their life,” Reppas said. “I had a kid with me since third grade; now he’s a freshman and will go to college for free.” Two athletes, Ben Bellucci and Vinnie Scalia, who have trained with Reppas for at least seven years, encourage the students and help them with the exercises. “The younger you meet Rep, the better,” said Scolia, who began training with Reppas as a teenager. Ten-year-old Kiley Lombardi Daniel Gregorio uses a basketball as part of the class. is the only girl in the group, but, Reppas said, she can hold her own. “I really like to race,” Kiley said, distracted, as she waited for her turn to charge through the course. This program, Reppas said, provides a steppingstone for the novice athlete “to become great.” With You Every Rep of the Way 978.335.3771 • [email protected]
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