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