YOUTH FITNESS PROGRAM
With childhood obesity on the rise year after year, it is more important than ever for kids to be physically active. Running around at recess, playing sports, and riding bikes are all wonderful forms of physical activity that help kids stay healthy, but a program designed to strengthen a child's stability, mobility, agility and power can provide so many more benefits.
One of the best ways you can make sure your kids are getting active is right here at Palma Ceia Fit Body with our Youth Fitness Program! Whether they’re running through our exciting obstacle course or they’re running through a circuit focused on stability, agility or power, they’re exercising while they’re having fun. If they are already an athlete, they will see major results when it comes to game time!
We all know kids need physical activity but WHY?
Benefits at a Glance
While everyone, regardless of their age, benefits from regularly exercising, kids stand to benefit even more. As their bodies are growing, it’s important that they stay active to get these benefits:
• Stronger muscles and bones
• Less likely to become overweight
• Decrease risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Overall positive outlook thanks to improved blood flow releasing endorphins and oxygen
Not only will a child receive those benefits, they will also sleep better after burning off excess energy. That means they’ll be more alert and attentive in school, ready to learn. They’ll also be better equipped to handle both physical and emotional challenges, whether it’s running to catch their bus or studying for a big test the next day. Kids need a lot of sleep to develop properly, so physical activity will ensure they’re ready for bed.
Three Forms of Fitness
Regardless of if it’s on the playground or in the gym, you can break fitness down to three separate forms. These forms can be combined in different types of activity, but for the most part, you can break them down like this:
• Agility/Power (running around playing tag)
• Strength (climbing monkey bars)
• Mobility (gymnastics)
At Palma Ceia Fit Body, we focus on each of these forms to help your kids be well rounded in their health and activity. Let’s take a deeper look at each of the three forms, shall we?
When we talk about kids improving their strength, we’re not implying they need to become muscle-bound after lifting weights. Rather, they can do this with some simple exercises. Boosting their strength will ensure they build healthy muscles, joints, and bones. This training also helps to strengthen the ligaments and tendons that provide support for muscles and bones, while also improving bone density.
This form is developed when kids get regular aerobic and cardiovascular exercise. When engaging in aerobic activity, heart rate increases and you’re breathing harder. When this is done on a regular basis, it strengthens the heart, improves blood flow, and makes it easier for the body to receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs to be healthy and strong.
Not only does it have physical benefits, it also has proven to help children’s cognitive abilities. When children are trained to change direction quickly, they are quicker to resolve problems as well. Their minds are sharp!
Aerobic exercise is fun for everyone, no matter what your age is.
Placing an importance on mobility won’t just help kids be more active, it will also help them avoid injuring themselves while they play. Muscles have a natural elasticity that is necessary to move. When your child learns proper stretching techniques, they’re able to move through their full range of motion without trouble. Stretching before and after physical activity will help their muscles adjust to what will be asked of them to avoid strains or pulled muscles.