Youth Fitness Is On The Rise

With our youth obesity epidemic reaching over 30% in America and predicted to climb higher, there is obviously a serious need for a growth in youth fitness programs.

The good thing is that people are now aware of this serious problem and are ready to take action. Organizations like the NFL with their 'Play 60' program, and public awareness in schools and health clubs are really picking up.

These are all positive things and I truly believe the public awareness will continue to grow in 2009. The problem is going to be the poor programming. What has begun to happen this past year with the youth fitness industry is the use of technology in physical activity.

It's obvious that our youth today are to busy playing video games, talking (or texting) on cells phones, watching T.V. the list can go on. This technology stuff seems what kids to most. So what we are beginning to do to entice our youth to do more activity is incorporate technology into physical fitness. Sound like a good idea right?

Maybe it looks good on paper, but I don't think hooking a video game up to a stationary bike is what I call a good choice for physical activity. Don't get me wrong, it will definitely get our children moving more (or should I say expending more calories), but what is this going to do for coordination development, movement skills, body awareness, etc. It doesn't stop here they now have virtual games for almost anything. This stuff will certainly get children moving more, but a what expense?

Now, with all that said I think as we step into 2009 we will see a transition back into the old school approach. We will see the following 1, 2 punch that may just be the answer that has been starring us in the face. An answer that I think can banish our obesity problem.

So what is it?

1.) Good old fashioned Fun & Games

We need to do what we were made to do, and that's run, kick, throw, push things, pull things, and just MOVE! Forget about the video games, we need to teach our youth how to move efficiently, safely, and in a fun and motivating environment.

I remember phys. Ed. Class when I was in 5th grade. We played flag football, softball, dodge ball, you name it, we even had classes filled with gymnastics and obstacle courses.

It was plain old FUN!!!

In 2009, we need to see a whole lot more of this stuff, along with proper teaching of basic movement mechanics.

2.) More education and family awareness in regards to youth nutrition.

This is the missing link.

What we will see in 2009 is more interaction with parents and feeding their children. Parents are finally starting to realize that their own eating habits and nutritional awareness are passed down to their children. Parents and families will be getting the nutrition education not just for themselves but for their children too.

However, the only way to make a change is to take massive action. And in this case it's going to be applying the proper nutritional strategies we know and learn when talking about Youth nutrition.

With this 1 - 2 punch of more movement and better nutrition, I truly believe that we can reverse this obesity crisis we have put our youth population in!!

Seed Newsvine

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