Children in the United States are heavier and less active than ever. First Lady Michelle Obama recently initiated a campaign against childhood obesity called "Let's Move." They report that children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of seven hours per day using television, computers, cell phones, video games, and ther entertainment media. As school budgets get tighter, the first things to be cut are the arts programs, physical education, and athletic programs. Unfortunately, as a result, children develop obesity-related health issues that can last into adulthood - issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, asthma and more. Parents, doctors, and communities must work together to provide regular physical activity for our children, that can begin in early childhood, can be done by any child, and has enough action and variety to be fun. GYMNASTICS IS THE ANSWER!
Continue reading below to learn more about gymnastics, its benefits, and why you should enroll your child in a gymnastics class today!
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
*an increase in muscular strength, flexibility and endurance.
*an increase in both static and dynamic balance
*the ability to relax
*correct body alignment while walking, standing, jumping
*the knowledge of how to fall and roll safely
*increased agility and coordination
COGNITIVE BENEFITS:
*awareness of the body
*awareness of space and how it relates to the body
*awareness of relationships: body parts to each other and the apparatus
*awareness of relationships with others
PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS:
*The joy of movement mastery
*discipline and self-control
*that the exercise habit is a pleasurable daily occurrence
*a confident self-image and a positive attitude towards their bodies
*trust in one's own abilities; move from a world of "I can't" to "I can"!
Children in the United States are heavier and less active than ever. First Lady Michelle Obama recently initiated a campaign against childhood obesity called "Let's Move." They report that children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of seven hours per day using television, computers, cell phones, video games, and ther entertainment media. As school budgets get tighter, the first things to be cut are the arts programs, physical education, and athletic programs. Unfortunately, as a result, children develop obesity-related health issues that can last into adulthood - issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, asthma and more. Parents, doctors, and communities must work together to provide regular physical activity for our children, that can begin in early childhood, can be done by any child, and has enough action and variety to be fun. GYMNASTICS IS THE ANSWER!