|
Fitness For
Kids
Stew Smith | February
26, 2006
America's children are overweight. Why? Because WE are!
Two-thirds (66%) of Americans are overweight according
to the Centers for Disease Control/Prevention, with
15-30% of the children either overweight or dangerously
close to being overweight. That means that nearly 200
million Americans fall into the overweight category. We
are setting a horrible example for our children.
According to a study
conducted by Weight Watchers International Inc. and the
American Health Foundation, 25% of American children are
now officially overweight, and the youngest are
especially at risk. These extra pounds are more than
just a passing phase; another ADA study suggests that
half of obese children will become fat adults.
"Obesity among children
is increasing at an alarming rate, and the health
consequences are very severe," confirms Karen
Miller-Kovach, RD, chief scientist for Weight Watchers.
Billions of dollars every year are spent on medical
bills by overweight/obese patients due to (preventable)
obesity related illnesses like diabetes, hypertension,
and high cholesterol.
What's behind the
growing number of children who are now overweight? "Lack
of exercise accounts for more than 50 percent of the
problem," says Miller-Kovach. She also adds, only 30
percent of the problem is due to overeating or choosing
the wrong types of foods. So, let's resolve to better
ourselves, set the example, and get our children moving
again.
Last week, I offered a
solution -- a free
45-Day Beginner workout
-- as part of the Get Started Again with Exercise
article -- for free download. Now, you can get one
here
for your children too. This ebook has workouts and ideas
on how to get kids moving (as well as yourself) in the
television room, at the playground, or at the high
school track. There are plenty of fun activities to do
to burn calories.
Many people who are
dedicated to making a difference are opening up
children's fitness franchises all over the United
States. If you are lucky to have indoor playgrounds in
your area or want to build one for yourself, check out
Rolly Pollies®,
which was developed by two former military officers.
This is an example of kid's fitness at its finest.
Rolly Pollies® is a
children's gym franchise featuring fitness and fun,
music, art and birthday parties. What makes Rolly
Pollies® a great franchise opportunity is that owners
make money while making a difference. Seeing a child
gain the confidence to climb a cargo net or do a flip
into a foam pit for the first time will always bring a
smile, but making a great living in the process
certainly adds to the reward. Children love these places
and learn from a very early age that physical activity
needs to be a part of a daily routine. |
