NEW YORK, June 8, 2004
Workouts Designed For Kids
Fitness Expert Minna Lessig Shows How To Make Fitness Fun
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One child in five is overweight, and studies show that kids who start exercising early on tend to remain active. Minna Lessig showed The Early Show some ways to make fitness fun.
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Fitness expert Minna Lessig visits The Early Show to talk about the numerous ways you can integrate fitness into your child's life.
Lessig says the state of health for America's youth is becoming more serious. The percentage of children and adolescents who are defined as overweight has nearly tripled since the early 1970s. One in five children in the United States is overweight. About 15 percent of children and adolescents ages 6 to 9 years are seriously overweight. And, over 10 percent of preschool children between ages 2 and 5 are overweight.
Ultimately, according to Lessig, it's up to the parents to help the children by being role models. She explains that as parents, we are our children's most important and valuable teachers. Keeping our kids fit starts with keeping ourselves fit.
Also, Lessig says, encouraging and helping to motivate your child to be physically active is just as valuable. Studies show that kids who involve themselves in fitness activities early in their years continue to stay active throughout their lives.
4- to 6-Year-Olds: The Building Block Years
These are the building block years, when children are mastering basic movement skills such as catching, rolling, bouncing, kicking and tossing a ball, jumping, walking on a balance beam, running, pedaling a tricycle and hitting a ball with a bat. Skills learned during this time really lay the foundation for more complex activity and sports down the road. Lessig says the focus of physical activity should be fun, fun, and more fun because this age group really loves to engage their imagination in activity. So, emphasize movement as play.
7- to 9-Year-Olds: Building Complex Movements
The use of basic motor skills in this age group has already developed, and is put to use to build complex movements. For example, instead of just hitting a stationary ball with a bat, kids can now practice hitting the ball while it is moving in the air. This age group can play longer and harder, which means their fitness level can improve. Organized group or team play is encouraged, but not on a competitive level. Activities appropriate for this age group include: bike riding, roller skating, dancing, swimming, karate, hopscotch, basketball and gymnastics. Lessig says basketball really helps develop eye-hand-foot coordination, agility, muscular strength and cardio-respiratory endurance. Lessig also says hopscotch is a great cardio-respiratory activity that is non-competitive and fun to do.
10- to 12-Year-Olds: Age Where Fitness Can Go Either Way
Parents be forewarned, this is the age group where often a decline in physical activity begins, according to Dr. Kenneth Cooper, author of "Kid Fitness" and founder of aerobics. If your child has not been so physically active up until now, it's time to really encourage it, Lessig says. If children do not incorporate exercise into their life now, chances are they will continue to be sedentary into adulthood. Team sports and group classes are recommended for this group. Strength training, dancing, step classes, basketball, soccer, baseball, wrestling, gymnastics, yoga, biking are all good choices.
Yoga, Lessig says, is an interactive, educational, and fun way for kids to strengthen and stretch their muscles.
One fun product for kids to use, say Lessig, is the Twister Moves, which costs $19.99. The Twister Moves is a dance version of the classic Twister game. Sixty minutes of dance music and four mats for friends to join in are included with the package. There are two Twister Moves DJs -- a male who directs the left side of the body, and a female who directs the right. Lessig says they are highly motivational. Players listen for the dance sequence as called out by the DJs, then follow the moves with their feet and arms. Each CD increases in challenge. Lessig says the game is great for kids who are not so enthusiastic about sports and may need a push in fitness.
Things to Keep in Mind As a Parent
Lessig says you are your child's best role model. Even if you are not a fitness fanatic or sports junkie, you can still make a difference in your child's life: designate family activity times through out the week (to swim, ride bikes, walk the dog together), show your support by attending your child's sporting games or dance lessons.
Kids who are pressured to compete in sports may develop a negative attitude toward fitness or injure themselves while trying to please others. Remember, physical exercise, no matter what form (sports or fitness), should always be enjoyable. Lessig recommends showing your child you are proud of him or her just for participating.
Sometimes it takes several tries before a child finds an activity that she is comfortable with. Lessig says be patient through this and always provide encouragement.
There are many "mommy and me" classes available in local gyms and recreational centers. Lessig says these aresanother great way to introduce fitness to your children.
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