By Shanel Evans, Competitive Edge Athletic Performance Center
The Competitive Edge team is dedicated to helping educate parents and children on how to adopt and maintain healthy habits. We provide a fun and safe place to swim, play, exercise and develop athletic skills. We also value the role of fitness in developing essential life skills. In Childhood Obesity Awareness Part 1, we looked at the vital role of nutrition; now let’s look at exercise and self-esteem.
It’s Time to Unplug
Currently one in every three children in the United States is overweight, which is a number that is far too high. With so many fun, social and educational games, apps and electronics, it can be challenging to get your kids to unplug after school and on the weekends. However, when you combine this sedentary time with the hours kids sit in the classroom during the day, most children aren’t getting the exercise their body requires. Here is what the CDC suggests for every student:
- At least 60 minutes of aerobic exercise each day
- At least three activities a week designed to strengthen muscles
- At least three activities a week designed to strengthen bones
Physical Fitness Should Be Fun
The physical fitness goals mentioned above can be broken up throughout the day. When parents and teachers talk to kids about physical fitness, we must not think in the terms of adult workouts. Instead, focus on how games and play can double as exercise. Actually, adults should think this way, too. Kids don’t even have to be athletically inclined to get the physical activity they require. Identify activities they genuinely enjoy, then plan weekly activities with friends and family around these activities. Here are a few examples:
- Jumping rope
- Playing tag
- Hopscotch
- Roller skating
- Riding a bike
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Playing an electronic sport like bowling
- Playing any sport
- Tossing the ball with the dog
Maintaining Your Child’s Self-Esteem
Many of the habits developed in childhood will be carried into adulthood, including students’ attitudes towards their bodies and health. One of the most important things parents can do is speak positively about their child’s healthy decisions and lovingly about their areas of opportunity. As a parent, you must also be mindful that children are likely to model your behaviors towards fitness and health. For example, speaking negatively about your body or about a friend who has gained five pounds can send a damaging message to your kids about how they view their body.
Sports is our passion at Competitive Edge, but so is fun! Regardless of your child’s athletic ability, we provide a judgment-free zone to develop athletic skills and improve physical fitness.
Competitive Edge aims to develop the “complete athlete” using performance sports training in Woodbridge and surrounding areas. Members are able to enhance their athletic performance and develop a competitive edge to excel in their desired sport.
