Dasha Wellness, a lifestyle and wellness center on East 57th Street, is a soothing sanctuary for city adults to unwind, de-stress and improve physical fitness. Created by husband and wife team Shannon and Dr. Darren Pollack, Dasha Wellness offers a wide variety of services, from acupuncture and massage therapy to Pilates and personal training, making it a one-stop-shop for mental and physical well-being, a definite asset to any busy city parent.
Now, however, Dasha Wellness has become an even more valued resource for parents, as it has recently debuted Generation D, a unique wellness and fitness program custom-designed for kids ages 5 and up.
The main goals of Generation D, which was created by a team of experienced coaches, recreational therapists and trainers, are to boost self-esteem, give children an opportunity to try different activities, sports and exercises, and give them fitness techniques they can take with them into adulthood, says Shannon Pollack.
The process begins with a one-on-one conversation with a member of the Dasha Wellness team. “Parents bring in [their] child and we work with them the same way we would work with an adult, but scaled down to a child level—we find their strengths and weaknesses and build a customized program around them,” Pollack says. “We look to see what the child likes to do, because we know if they like it they’ll work on it even harder.”
The Generation D program is divided into 4 modules: Game Sense (an eight-week program that focuses on different target games that use nets and striking); Fitness (also eight weeks, focuses on performance skills like speed, agility and balance); Movement and Flow (a six-week program that includes activities like Pilates, dance and yoga); and Sports Focus (a four-to-six week session designed to improve established skills in a specific sport like baseball, soccer or golf).
To maintain the individualized approach, classes are kept small, with only three children per two coaches, or five children per two coaches if the session is outdoors. Sessions take place after school 2-3 times a week.
In addition to instilling a commitment to healthy living, Dasha Wellness is also passionate about giving back to others. Upon completion of a module, kids can choose from 10 charitable causes, to which $15 from the amount they paid will be donated on their behalf. This initiative stays true to Dasha Wellness’ mission of enhancing well-being from the inside out. “It’s not just about improving children’s skills but improving their attitude,” Pollack says. “What they learn from us here they’ll be able to take forward.”
Dasha Wellness, The Galleria, 115 East 57th Street, 212-755-5500, dashawellness.com.
5 WAYS TO WELLNESS
Shannon and Dr. Darren Pollack, founders of Dasha Wellness, share their tips for living healthfully as a family:
*Prepare meals at home whenever possible. Instead of white bread and pastas, use whole grain options, and replace unhealthy drinks and side dishes—like sugary juices and French fries—with healthier options, like water and fruit.
*Once a week, take your children to the grocery store and let them choose their own healthy snacks.
*Be consistent about bedtime.
*Pick a new sport to learn along with your child. Remind your child that it’s not about winning, but about completing the challenge in front of you.
*Be a good role model—eat your vegetables and get regular exercise so your children will see that it’s important. In the same way, if you want your kids to turn off the TV and video games, set a good example by turning off your Blackberry or iPhone.
