Help Y Set World Record for Most People Holding 1 Minute Plank

The YMCA of Montclair invites the local community to come out to Verona Park on April 28 to celebrate Healthy Kids Day and attempt to set the world record for most people holding a one-minute plank! 

Previously, the record is about 500 people.

“Come out with your family and bring your friends and neighbors as well,” said James Goodger, Branch Director of the Geyer Family YMCA. “We have an incredible day planned for the entire community and have a great opportunity to set a world record for holding a one-minute plank. We’re hopeful for perfect weather and a strong turnout, and feel optimistic we can make history!”

There will be a carnival-like atmosphere as the Y, along with collaborative partners Aunt Jean’s Toy Store, New Jersey Jackals, Whole Foods Market, Mountainside Hospital, Clara Maass Medical Center, Partners for Health, Montclair Art Museum, Take Back the Kitchen, and many others support the event through interactive games, contests, sports activities, face painting, crafts, and much more as kids and families learn about the importance of physical activity, healthy living, and eating right.

The Park Street and Geyer Family Y facilities will have plenty of staff on hand representing many Y programs and camps, including aquatics, sports, arts and sciences, extended care, youth and family, and health and wellness. Upon entering the Healthy Kids Day carnival, attendees will be greeted by Y staff and prepared for the day with instructions on how to navigate through all the great activities.

Children will place stickers on the “Healthy Me Avatars” they’ll receive upon entering the carnival and will receive prizes for their participation upon completion of the challenges and activities. Y staff will also lead children and families in group exercise classes, obstacle courses, walks and special Healthy Kids Day challenges that will be learning experiences and tremendous fun at the same time.

There will be over 20 booths, plenty of handouts and giveaways, and a DJ to keep things moving, which won’t be an issue with parachute games, Zumba, and Hoops Mania listed as some of the planned activities. 

For more than 20 years, Healthy Kids Day—a national Y initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids—challenges families to Take on Summer by addressing critical gaps in kids’ health and education.

Summer is the perfect time to make playing and learning a family goal. Research shows that without access to activities that stimulate the mind and body, kids are more prone to gain weight and fall behind academically over the summer months.

The Healthy Kids Day event at Verona Park will feature activities that are aligned with the Y's three core focus areas: Healthy Living, Youth Development and Social Responsibility. There will be important health information on hand as well from organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and Bike/Walk Montclair.

For more specific event information or participation in Healthy Kids Day, please contact James Goodger at jgoodger@montclairymca.org or at 973-415-6116.