Over the next month NY1 is taking a look at ways to keep kids healthy and fit. For some, staying in shape means hitting the ice for skating. NY1’s Roger Clark visited Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers where the ice is hopping bright and early.

You may not want to try this at home, but it's no problem for 14-year old Emily Bleiberg, who works out at the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers.

"I think just the act of skating promotes a healthy lifestyle,” said Bleiberg.

And what a lifestyle it is for these skaters who begin their practice sessions at 5 a.m., and then glide and twirl for a couple of hours before they head off to school. More than 3,500 kids participate in figure skating programs at Sky Rink every year.

"Physically, it's very aerobic. It's also coordinationally an excellent sport for young kids,” said Kenny Moir, a skating coach at Sky Rink.

Like 9-year old Helena Carhart: her alarm rings at 4:30 a.m. so she can make her way here from the Upper East Side. She likes what skating does for her mentally and physically.

"Sometimes when I do my program, I get so tired in the middle of it. But when I push through it, when it's over, I feel so much better,” said Carhart.

Of course not everyone has to commit to crack-of-dawn sessions six days a week.

Skaters like Jimmy Ma say getting on the ice even once or twice a week is good for you. And that's from a guy who wants to be in the Olympics someday.

"It's very fun. It's a great way to stay in shape in my opinion. And especially over the summer, it's really nice to keep cool,” said Ma.

Bleiberg wholeheartedly agrees. By the way, she skates two hours before school and then two more hours after school in the late afternoon.

"Even if you just come just once a week recreationally, it still makes a big difference. You have the opportunity to work out  but you also have the opportunity to express yourself,” said Bleiberg.

For more information on all of the kids skating programs at Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, chelseapiers.com.

As part of Time Warner Cable News' "Fit Kids February" series we want to hear how your kids stay active. Be sure to tweet us using #FitKidsFeb.