| Our country's children have hit an all time low on the | | | | recommended that children do single joint static |
| health and fitness scale. Here are some alarming | | | | stretches versus complex ones which may be |
| statistics: | | | | beyond the child's coordination level. Again, |
| * Only about 65% of America's kids meet the | | | | supervision is recommended to make sure they use |
| minimum standards for the Presidential Physical | | | | correct body mechanics and stretching techniques. |
| Fitness Award. Only 10% actually qualify. | | | | Kid's fitness activities should be age appropriate |
| * One half of our kids have elevated cholesterol | | | | according to their physical and cognitive development. |
| levels and over 65% have three or more risk factors | | | | Younger kids have only basic motor skills and like to |
| for heart disease. | | | | explore and use their imagination. Running, skipping, |
| * Only 1/3 participate in daily physical activity. | | | | galloping, hopping on one foot and basic ball skills |
| * Over 70% consume diets that are dangerously high | | | | work well with the younger ones. As kids get older |
| in fats, salt and sugar. | | | | they still exhibit a desire to play, but usually move |
| * Around 30% of our kids between 5 and 17 are | | | | towards games and sports. They are able to perform |
| obese. | | | | more complicated movements and play more |
| Part of the decline in children's fitness is due to the | | | | complex games. They can do basic aerobic moves |
| cancellation of Physical Education in many schools. | | | | and can participate in a youth modified resistance |
| Poor nutrition is another major factor. Finally, kids | | | | program. Above all, kids fitness programs should be |
| spend too much sedentary time watching TV, playing | | | | fun. |
| video games and working on computers. | | | | Kids of all ages should be encouraged to perform |
| If schools don't provide adequate Physical Education | | | | both play activities and structured exercise. Playing |
| for kids, then parents must take responsibilty. The | | | | teaches kids to enjoy movement for it's own sake. |
| same goes for nutrition. Eating right starts at home | | | | Structured exercise makes sure they do the right |
| and parents shouldn't rely on the school system to | | | | type of activity to improve various fitness |
| teach their children about healthy eating. | | | | components. |
| The American College of Sports Medicine's guidelines | | | | Our kid's fitness deficiencies continue to spiral |
| for improving cardiorespiratory fitness for kids are | | | | downward. While there are strong attempts by some |
| similar to those for adults. The only real difference is | | | | to keep Physical Education in our schools, the decision |
| choosing age appropriate activities. ACSM | | | | makers don't seem to value our chidren's need for |
| recommends 3-5 times per week, 20-60 minutes | | | | physical activity. Problems with diet usually originate at |
| duration, at about 55%-90% maximal heart rate | | | | home. If the adults in the family eat junk food then |
| depending on the child's fitness level. | | | | it's likely the kids will do the same. Parents need to |
| Resistance training is great for older kids. The National | | | | teach their children good eating habits and be a good |
| Strength and Conditioning Association suggests 1-3 | | | | role model by eating healthy themselves. |
| sets, 6-15 repetitions for 2-3 days per week. It is | | | | Parents should get their kids involved in any type of |
| recommened that kids start out with body weight | | | | physical fitness activity they enjoy. Just get them up |
| exercises, then machines and finally free weights if | | | | and moving. Our kids are our future and giving them |
| desired. Kids should always be supervised during | | | | a healthy start while growing up is one of the |
| resistance training. | | | | greatest gifts we can give them. |
| Flexibility is as important to kids as it is to adults. It is | | | | |