#SkanStrength
YOUTH & TEEN GENERAL FITNESS
Stay strong, fit, and active with expert-guided strength training
Program Overview
Our General Fitness Program provides a welcoming environment where young people can develop healthy habits and fitness skills at their own pace. This program runs after school and into the summer, offering a guided approach to physical activity that allows participants to explore different aspects of fitness based on their personal interests and comfort level.
Unlike more specialized athletic programs, our General Fitness Program creates a balanced environment where children can learn proper techniques while having input into their routine. The program emphasizes fundamentals while allowing for exploration and enjoyment, making it perfect for kids with various fitness goals.
Whether your child is looking to improve overall health, build strength for sports, or simply find a positive activity they enjoy, our program provides the guidance, support, and community they need to thrive.
Key Program Features
Safe Technique
Children learn proper form and safe training methods appropriate for their age and development, creating a foundation for lifelong fitness habits.
Foundations for Life-Long Health
Our program introduces a variety of foundational movements and exercises that build strength, coordination, balance, and mobility. Our program is designed to help them stay in shape far beyond their time here at SkanStrength and into adulthood.
An Environment that Breeds Confidence
As physical capabilities grow, so does confidence. Our supportive environment helps youth develop a positive self-image based on personal progress.
Building Autonomy with Guidance
Kids have a say in their routine while receiving professional guidance, allowing them to develop agency in their fitness journey.
Program Details
Schedule
M/W/F: 2:30-4:15PM
Location
SkanStrength
1382 E Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152
Format
A relaxed, dynamic smaller group format with flexibility and adjustments made to workouts according to individual needs and goals.
Fitness Level
All fitness levels are encouraged to join. We can tailor the training to accommodate each participant's individual physical abilities.
Instructors
Coach Dan Flanick, BS, MS
Dan Flanick brings over two decades of combined playing, coaching, and programming experience to SkanStrength.
His background spans both competitive athletics and clinical exercise science. A former Division II collegiate catcher at Molloy College, Dan transitioned into coaching and exercise science, earning his Bachelor's degree as the top graduate in his class at Ithaca College. He completed a Master's degree in Sport Pedagogy at Baylor University, a top-tier Division I program, where he served as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Performance Coach, training athletes across multiple sports under nationally recognized coaching staff, including 2013 Collegiate Strength Coach of the Year Kaz Kazadi.
Prior to Baylor, Dan held an Athletic Performance Internship at Cornell University, where he gained hands-on experience working with Division I athletes across baseball, football, basketball, track and field, and equestrian sports. At Baylor, he developed and implemented sports performance programs for football, tennis, acrobatics & tumbling, and cross-country teams.
Despite multiple offers to continue in collegiate sports performance, Dan chose a different path: building SkanStrength alongside his family from a 500-square-foot space beneath a local bar in 2017 into a 7,500-square-foot flagship facility with satellite programming at Skaneateles Fields. This community-integrated hospitality partnership, established in 2025, expanded Dan and his family's role from practitioners to wellness, recreation, sport, and event consultants and managers—bringing professional programming to a broader audience.
Dan leads youth and teen athletic development while maintaining an active coaching role. He currently serves as Assistant Baseball Coach at Cayuga Community College, staying connected to competitive athletics while running programming at SkanStrength. His expertise extends across a broad spectrum of populations and needs. He has worked extensively with individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, cognitive disorders, and various developmental conditions—designing adaptive programs that promote strength, confidence, and functional independence.
Dan's client experience ranges from adaptive fitness programming to training top-level high school athletes, collegiate competitors, and professional athletes. This combination—a decade and a half of daily, hands-on training experience with multiple advanced degrees and work across such a diverse client spectrum—is exceptionally rare in the fitness industry. This breadth of experience informs his philosophy: that quality coaching and programming should be accessible to everyone, regardless of starting point or ability level.
His work reflects a commitment to inclusive, evidence-based programming that meets individuals where they are—whether that's developing foundational movement skills, building competitive athletic performance, or creating opportunities for those often overlooked by traditional fitness environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups does this program serve?
Our General Fitness Program typically serves middle and high school students (ages 10-18). We also offer programs for younger children - contact us for more information about options for your child's specific age.
Is weight training safe for children?
Absolutely! When properly supervised with age-appropriate methods, strength training is not only safe but highly beneficial for young people. Our coaches specialize in youth fitness and understand the unique needs of growing bodies. We focus on proper technique, appropriate loads, and progressive development
What should I bring to my first session?
Just bring comfortable workout clothes, supportive athletic shoes, a water bottle, and a positive attitude! We provide all the equipment needed for your training session.
Does my child need previous fitness experience to join?
Not at all! Our programs are designed for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced. Our coaches will assess your child's current abilities and tailor the exercises to meet them where they are and help them progress safely
How do you keep kids engaged and motivated?
We create a positive, supportive environment where effort is celebrated. Our coaches make fitness fun through variety, age-appropriate challenges, and a strong community atmosphere. We focus on progress rather than comparison, helping each child recognize their own improvements and achievements.
Ready to get strong?
Join our supportive community and take the first step toward helping your child achieve their fitness goals. Schedule a free intro session or call us to learn more about which program is right for them.
