Ben Merrill, a sixth grader at Coronado Middle School, isn’t getting lazy in the lockdown. In fact, he’s using his extra time to launch a daily workout class to help kids get in shape and feel great.
“I started teaching for my lacrosse team on our Zoom meetings, which gave me the idea that there are probably a ton of kids like me who are bored at home, and could use a little fun getting exercise,” said Ben. “So, I started the class.”
Ben’s twenty minute class—which is organized through Sweat Equity—is on Zoom every Monday through Friday at 4pm. The best part? Any proceeds from the donation-based class will go to straight to PAWS.
“I have an undying love for animals of all types, so I want to support the people who help our pets,” says Ben.
Not only does Ben play lacrosse, but he plays basketball and works out with his family. Exercise is, after all, the family business. (His mom and dad, Liz and Nick Merrill, own Sweat Equity Gym.)
Ben says he knows first-hand the benefits of a good workout. “If you don’t exercise, you get grumpy, and after you work out you feel so much better, mentally and physically,” says Ben.
His workout class is a full-body workout with footwork drills and body weight exercises. No special equipment is needed, although light weights can be used during certain exercises. “My favorite exercise is the ‘cossack squat’ because it gives you a great stretch and you work on leg strength,” says Ben.
Although Ben misses his lacrosse team and the games, he says he’s surviving quarantine. “I’ve been learning how to cook and bake, and I got a basketball hoop,” says Ben. “I’ve been riding my bike, walking my dog, reading and doing homework.”
And now, he can add something new to his quarantine curriculum…leading a legit online workout!
To check out Ben’s kid’s workout classes, get the links each day here.
The suggested donation is $5, which will be donated to PAWS, and can be paid via Venmo @BenettMerrill.
