the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The big question mark hanging over parents heads this summer is dreadful: will schools re-open in the fall? So far, it doesn’t look good. Which is why moms and dads are searching furiously for programs and activities to fill the gaps. Just as important as tutoring and online education, numerous studies have found, is physical and mental fitness. And a new program based in NJ is here to help. Elite Method, created by NJ residents Michael and Rachel Dube, is a concierge-like service that matches kids up with private coaches for activities that range from sports, exercises, challenges, games and other activities to keep kids outside and away from distractions. This combination of both “mind and body” coaching has been proven to improve physical and mental health, cognitive abilities, self-esteem and social skills.
“We saw in the spring that kids who are trapped at home gravitate to video games, TV, phones and social media, which are not healthy ways to spend the day,” said Rachel Dube, a child development expert who created the program with her husband Michael. “Kids did not get outside during the pandemic, and we’re seeing the results. Elite Method is a highly-tailored program that gives children and teens mentorship and coaching, helping improve physical and mental fitness. Now more than ever, this is extremely important.”
“I think we are going to see some really sobering effects of kids being stuck indoors for months,” added Michael, a master trainer, youth coach and motivational speaker. “Their bodies are weaker and their social confidence is waning. They need fresh air and some time away from their families. Our coaches are mentors who will motivate them, guide them and give them individual attention that so many of them are craving .That’s what Elite Method was founded on, and we are the only program offering this kind of unique partnership.”
Elite Method operates throughout the Tri-State area, offering 90-minute sessions of one-on-one time with its highly trained and pre-screened coaches. Whether in the backyard or park, the coach works with each child/ teen by creating customized programs to improve their physical and mental fitness, self-esteem and social skills. During the session, children may do a variety of things including sports fundamentals, strengthening and endurance drills, mindfulness/ meditation exercises, listening and focus games and social skills development.
“Our coaches are truly the heart and soul of our business,” says Michael. “They have a variety of backgrounds and experiences including PhD’s and grad students, physical education instructors, mental health workers, personal trainers and teachers. They all have years of experience working and relating with children of various ages and skill levels, and they all have an advanced level of athleticism and knowledge on how to teach children sports and fitness properly.”
Elite Method’s practices are backed by research and science, in addition to the Dube’s years of in-practice experience.
“The world has changed so much in the past few decades and kids are facing more challenges now than ever particularly due to the popularity of social media and technology. Its effects are far reaching and pervasive,” said Dr. Marla Baum, a respected child neuropsychologist and member of the Elite Method Advisory Board. “Children today play less outside and experience less face-to-face socialization. This has contributed to the growing obesity epidemic as well as an uptick in social anxieties and depression. Bullying has also become a serious issue and many kids are not being taught the tools and strategies needed to overcome this onslaught of challenges. I am thankful this program exists so we can offer support and solutions while the children are still young. Successful intervention can literally change the trajectory of a child’s life.”
