Our Kids Won't Outlive Us?

Wow. I heard that on the news this morning. With the rising obesity rates among children, their projected lifespans are MUCH shorter. Fat kids become fat adults that not only die younger, but have many more health problems along the way, dooming themselves to a lesser quality life than what our generation had.

Luckily, there's still time, but it's going to need a large shift in thinking among parents. Years ago, kids just got up and ran around the neighborhood for 6, 7 or even 8 hours a day. We climbed trees, crawled under bushes, played tag and even "ghost in the graveyard" if we could get the whole neighborhood to stay out after dark.

Has your kid ever climbed a tree?

The thinking shift that's needed by parents is to realize that THEY have to get their kids involved in as much physical activity as possible. It's simply NOT happening by itself - and school gym classes alone are NOT doing the job.

I almost hate to see Michelle Obama's new "Let's Move" initiative, not because it's not needed (it is!) but because it will probably politicize the whole thing and Republican kids (Are there such things? Really?) won't be allowed by their parents to participate.  Sigh.  What a world.

We started offering a Kid's Fitness program several months ago, allowing our Demo Team to test drive the exercises and activities. They are having a blast - and really challenging themselves with body weight exercises, throwing and lifting kid-size weights and balls - and plenty of running, stretching and jumping, too.

Designed by owner/instructor (and Registered Nurse!) Carolyn Schulenburg, Kid Fitness is 45 minutes of solid exercise. There is also some solid nutrition information - along with a few recipes for sharing Good Food with parents.  Our BootCamp Fitness program is based around a large nutrition component and we're presenting this same information in a Kid Friendly format with weekly handouts and Mat Chats.

We've started with a single class (Saturday mornings) and will expand as needed to help kids get more exercise and help with learning to eat better.

Please give Carolyn a call at 815-334-9662 to schedule your trial class. There is no charge for the introductory lesson, simply come prepared in workout clothes.