Photo by Karin Elton Marshall third-, fourth- and fifth-graders performed a variety of exercises Thursday morning at the Hy-Vee KidsFit event at Southwest Minnesota State University’s Mattke Field.

MARSHALL — Did you know if you start your morning with 10 squats it will give you energy all day long?

That’s one of the many things Marshall third through fifth-grade students learned Thursday morning at the Hy-Vee KidsFit event at Southwest Minnesota State University’s Mattke Field.

Fifth-graders Jayden Meister found the day “inspiring” while Promise Star pronounced it “awesome.” Easton Greenwood said the event was “fun” while Quincy Lesiew said it was “helpful to my body.”

Daira Driftmier, a Hy-Vee KidsFit certified personal trainer, led kids in fun exercises. They learned how to do squats correctly as well as “crab toe touches” and “plank shoulder taps.”

The kids did exercises with partners, individually and competed as an entire group. She pointed out that it could get frustrating when competing with others.

“Did you get frustrated with that exercise?” Driftmier said. “You can’t control other people; you can’t control me, just do your best and encourage others.”

When she’s not training children and adults one-on-one as a personal trainer, she travels among eight states where Hy-Vee stores are located to conduct large exercise rallies for students.

“I’ve done 26 large events this year,” said Driftmier, who has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and exercise from Central College in Iowa.

This is Driftmier’s third time in Marshall. She said she likes coming to SMSU because of the help from the student-athletes who volunteer their time to help out with the kids. Stanger the Mustang was also there showing how to do the exercises and dance routines such as the “cha cha slide.”

The students all received T-shirts courtesy of Hy-Vee and U.S. Bank and bottles of water from Hy-Vee.

Children also learned about nutrition information and tools that can help them stay healthy and discussed the grocery chain’s free interactive health and wellness website.

The Hy-Vee KidsFit website, www.hy-veekids fit.com, provides education through online video tutorials, fitness workbooks, Hy-Vee dietitian blogs and fitness challenges. The workouts and activities featured on Hy-Vee KidsFit are accessible year-round to people of all ages and skill levels.

Marshall Hy-Vee dietician Claire Henning talked to the kids about MyPlate, which is a place setting that highlights the five food groups — grains, vegetables, fruits, protein and dairy.

Driftmier said September’s challenge is seven meals eaten as a family.

“Have a conversation, put down the devices,” she said.

There are conversation starters families can have, such as “I felt happy today when” or “I felt frustrated today when.”

In addition to the website, the KidsFit mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and allows users can create their own avatar and take it on a personal journey throughout the world. Some of the interactive features include: a world map with multiple levels, a daily calendar filled with prizes, and a to-do list with missions.

Learn more at https://www.hyveekidsfit. com/