OUR APPROACH TO YOUTH FITNESS
Childhood is a vital stage in life for people to develop good habits that will last a lifetime. We’re committed to reducing child obesity and making movement a fun, essential part of every child’s healthy habits. Did you know that childhood obesity directly affects brain function? We believe that early education and consistent exercise can help reduce childhood obesity and encourage healthy habits.
We teach kids about proper nutrition and anatomy, but more importantly, we help kids realize that exercise is about more than just preparing for sports. We want to remind children and parents that physical activity is fun!
Parents are ongoing partners in this program. Children learn from their parents, and we work toward success for the entire family. We create a supportive environment for children to develop effective communication and coping skills for stress and poor habits that are specific to this age group.
Contact us today to share your goals, ask questions of our team, and schedule your free consultation and session. Call us at 804-244-3006 or complete the contact form.
BENEFITS OF YOUTH FITNESS
The benefits of physical fitness and exercise are just as great for children as they are for adults. A survey from the 2015-2016 school year shows that nearly 1 in 5 children and teenagers (ages 6 – 19) has obesity, that is, an excess of body fat. In children, this condition tends to be easily reversible, but it requires that children regularly engage in a physical activity that burns calories. If a child cultivates the habits of an active lifestyle, they are more likely to maintain those habits in adult life. This promotes their overall health, and can lower the risk of heart disease, muscle or bone deterioration, and various other conditions. It is recommended that children engage in at least one hour of moderate-to-vigorous activity each week.
Youth fitness is unique in that the specific age of the children or teenagers involved determines the most appropriate form of exercise. For instance, playing tag or hula-hooping is more appropriate for younger children, whereas jogging or soccer is more appropriate for teenagers. Either way, youth fitness activities tend to focus less on the competitive aspect and more on building habits that promote an active lifestyle by showing children and teenagers that exercise can be fun.
Being physically fit has mental benefits for children and teenagers as well, though especially for the latter group. As teenagers go through pubescence, their body shapes often change in response to hormones. During this time, teenagers can often feel uncomfortable with their suddenly-unfamiliar bodies. Since regular exercise and an active lifestyle promote muscle toning and minimize the accumulation of excess fat, they can help teenagers feel more comfortable with their appearance.
Additionally, studies have suggested that physical activity promotes mental performance and increases self-confidence. Studies have suggested that children and teenagers who engage in regular physical activity have more energy throughout the week than children and teenagers who do not. This is especially helpful during long school days.
Contact us today to share your goals, ask questions of our team, and schedule your free consultation and session. Call us at 804-244-3006 or complete the contact form.