Unfit kids are one of the huge challenges facing our society. Outdoor playing has been replaced by indoor video games. Gym classes and sports teams are being cut in schools. These and other factors has led to 1 in 3 teens being considered overweight. The American Heart Association has a great article about childhood obesity and a tool to determine your child’s BMI (a measurement that shows if your child is at a healthy weight or not).
With all these facts in mind, Springdale Parks & Recreation is doing something about it. Beginning July 2, we will decrease the minimum age in the Fitness Center to 13. Teens 13-15 will be able to workout in the Fitness Center with parental supervision. Yes, that’s the catch. Parental supervision. But maybe you’re too busy to be here all the time. Maybe you would like your teen to be able to use the Fitness Center when you can’t be here. Well then you’ll be happy to hear we are introducing a new program called Teen Fit. And it’s FREE!
Teen Fit is a fitness class that will give your teenager the tools to start down a lifetime of physical fitness. We will cover the basics of aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching, and nutrition. Upon successful completion of the class, teens with a Fitness Membership will be able to workout in the Fitness Center without adult supervision. This class will be taught by the qualified Fitness Center Team.
Now you may be thinking “My child is too young to begin working out.” Or “I heard working out will stunt a child’s growth.” Well contrary to myths you may have heard, working out for teens is good and will NOT stunt growth. Working out for teens can help lose or maintain weight, increase muscle and bone strength, improve mood, and many more benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics has come out strongly in favor of teens working out.
Our first class will be on June 24 and July 1 from 2-4pm and students must attend both classes. Registration is required and the class is limited to the first 10 teens to sign-up. If you have any questions, please see Jay in the Fitness Center.
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