A fit, healthy kid will inevitably grow into a fit, healthy adult—and let’s face it, with childhood and adult obesity rates on the rise, it couldn’t be more important to instill healthy habits in your kids from the start. But in an era where screen time seems to outrank playground time, raising a fit kid may be easier said than done.

Kids Need Movement
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that young people aged 6-17 years participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. The American Heart Association is a little more specific—recommending that all children over the age of 2 have at least 60 minutes of moderately strenuous physical activity every day and at least 30 minutes of strenuous activity at least twice a week. This doesn’t mean that kids need to spend an hour at the gym slogging it out on the treadmill. Instead, think recess, playground, soccer, basketball, bike riding, dance class, and a number of other fun activities.

The Benefits of Exercise for Kids
Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence:

• Improves strength and endurance
• Builds healthy bones and muscles
• Helps control weight
• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Increases self-esteem
• Reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels

What’s more, kids who are physically fit tend to sleep better, perform better academically, and handle physical and emotional challenges better. In short, a physically fit kid is better equipped for navigating life!

Get Moving
Want to raise a fit, healthy kid who grows into a fit, healthy adult? Get moving. You don’t need to run a boot camp for your kids, all you need to do is encourage them to run, jump, and play—all things that come naturally to kids anyway. What’s the best way to do that? Together. Parents who role model fitness are more likely to raise fit kids—and what’s more, you’ll have fun staying active together. There are countless ways to get moving, especially in a valley filled with so many outdoor options. It doesn’t matter whether you hit the slopes, the trails, or the playground—just get moving.

Family Fitness Week

Need a family fitness boost? Family Fitness Week at Zenergy is April 22-28. Bring your kids and grandkids ages 12 and up (free of charge) to our regularly scheduled classes throughout the week. Join us for one of our special weekend classes (open to ages 8 and up):

Body Attack Express: Saturday April 27. 11:15-12:00
Ballet Barre: Sunday April 28, 10:00-11:00
Family Yoga: Sunday April 28, 11:00-12:00