Ya-Ya's for Everyone!

The current recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics states children, teens and adults should be "physically active for at least 60 minutes per day." In our household, that translates into “getting one’s Ya-Ya’s out.”
As a personal trainer, I work primarily with adults. When assessing an individual’s fitness level at any age, I take into consideration their verbal history based upon lifestyle choices, diets and prior injuries, as well as non-verbal communicators such as posture, skin color, and breathing. Working with kids at any age, just as with adults, is a balance act between correcting detrimental posture while doing physical activities… and making it fun!
According to Cathy Sassin, local uber athlete, mom, and owner of nutrition program Intrafitt, kids in their teens are six times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome (defined by the American Heart Association as “a group of metabolic risk factors within one person” and including abdominal obesity and high blood pressure) without at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. A sobering thought if we take into consideration the growing number of children suffering from Type II Diabetes in the United States.
Statistics show that children take their cues from their mother’s fitness level: When mom is active, kids are more active. Given the choice and opportunity, children crave time with the adults in their lives. If that time falls under the definition of ‘play’ it’s even better! When parents focus on physical activities that require kids to ‘beat’ an opponent, or as a commandment for a sedentary child without setting an example themselves, they are sending the wrong message to their child—it should be all about the fun. With the right play clothes, toys and activities you'll reach 60 minutes of activity with your children each and every day!
We have all sorts of made up words in our home. Upside over commonly describes the cat hanging by its hind legs. Nuggles are generally best first thing in the morning, but come in handy when someone has scraped a knee. Getting one’s Ya-Ya’s out always involves lots of laughter and a great deal of chaotic, energetic play for both myself and my kids. Perhaps this sounds simplistic and granted, I am still in the ‘smaller child’ phase, having twins who just turned six, but the elements of ‘play’ and ‘sharing’ are ones I keep coming back to as both a mother and a professional. So, get out there and get your Ya-Ya’s out!

Fitwize 4 Kids offers a wide variety of programs designed to be fun, positive and just for kids Contact: Cathy Sassin Tel: (541)647-4587 The Athletic Club of Bend is also starting a kids-only yoga class on Wednesday afternoons starting March 2009 - Call (541)385-3062 for details.


Morri Stewart