LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - April 6, 2010) - According to a recent study by Temple's College of Health Professions, one-third of U.S. children are still overweight or obese, despite recent efforts to combat the epidemic. With this in mind, My Gym Children's Fitness center (www.mygym.com) is saluting World Health Day on April 7th with guidelines for an effective, kid-friendly exercise program.
For nearly three decades, My Gym -- which has grown to more than 160 locations nationwide -- has been at the forefront of combating childhood obesity and empowering kids of all ages with fun and effective messages of physical fitness and well being. In addition, the company recently launched The Activators (www.theactivators.net), a cast of four My Gym teachers whose mission is to engage preschoolers in physical activity.
It is important that parents focus on the components of aerobic Activity, Muscle Strengthening and Bone Strengthening as they encourage their kids to 'get activated.'
- Aerobic Activity - Hiking, bicycle riding, and playing games that require catching and throwing all count as moderate aerobic activity. Vigorous aerobic activity, which should take place at least three days a week, includes running, jumping rope and martial arts.
- Muscle Strengthening - Resistance exercises using body weight, such as tug of war, are ideal for increasing muscle strength. Other good choices include push ups, rope or tree climbing, or gymnastics.
- Bone Strengthening - Children's regular growth spurts demand movements that keep their bones strong. Therefore, try incorporating weight bearing activities, such as playing tennis, volleyball or basketball into your child's routine every other day.
My Gym's efforts to combat childhood obesity coincide with the launch of the Let's Move Campaign endorsed by First Lady Michelle Obama. Designed to provide healthier food in schools and to encourage children to be more physically active, Let's Move has a goal of solving the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation.
"We applaud the Let's Move campaign and its efforts to raise awareness about the long-term health effects of childhood obesity," said Hendison. "My Gym of considers itself a partner in the fight against this epidemic and we hope that parents will follow our lead."
For more information, visit www.mygym.com.