Bangor Daily News Community

My Gym Focuses on Making Fitness Fun

By: MY GYM

My Gym Focuses on Making Fitness Fun

<?xml:namespace prefix =" o" /> 

Children are motivated by FUN!  They will do just about anything if it’s playful, including exercise. My Gym Children’s <?xml:namespace prefix =" st1" />Fitness Center provides a clean and safe atmosphere where children enjoy gaining strength, balance, coordination, fine and gross motor proficiency, agility, flexibility and social skills. As a society, we are becoming painfully aware of the need for children’s fitness in a time where computer screens and video games are keeping our kids rooted firmly to their seats. Consider the following:

 

• Obesity is the most prevalent nutritional disease of children and adolescents in the United States.

• 80% of overweight 10 to 13-year-olds will become overweight adults.
• It takes only a few extra pounds on a child to cause clothing to feel uncomfortable, movement to be restricted and enthusiasm for physical activity to plummet.  When a child slows down, weight gain speeds up.
• Medical and emotional problems that develop when a child is overweight will likely follow him or her through the teenage years and into adulthood. These include low self-esteem, depression, isolation, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abnormal bone development and sleep apnea.

 

There is good news, though! Take a look at these extremely positive fitness facts:

 

• Children who develop sound, positive exercise habits will be more likely to continue them as adults.
• A child’s potential to develop strength, endurance and physical skill increases at an exponential rate the first two years of life. The more you encourage your children to be physically active during this period, the stronger and more energetic you can expect them to become.
• When children are 2 to 5 years old, they are developing large-muscle and small-muscle physical abilities and motor skills that are critical for the full success of the child’s later fitness efforts.  The skills learned now provide the groundwork for future, more complex abilities.
• Regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence results in the following benefits:Increased strength and endurance, healthier bones and muscles, weight control, reduced anxiety and stress and increased self-esteem along with potential for improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

 

My Gym’s award winning, structured, non-competitive and age-appropriate classes enhance children’s physical development (as well as cognitive, emotional and social development) with enjoyable exercise involving music, games, sports, special rides, gymnastics and much more. Our highly trained staff empowers youngsters by helping them acquire the skills, confidence and self image that they need to become healthy adults. And the best part? None of it feels like work! Come witness the fun firsthand by visiting us at the Twin City Plaza, 256 State St., Brewer. At My Gym, the first class is always free! Call Karen Kohlmeyer at 989.1233 for more details.