BounceU Says: Don't Let The Winter Break Be A Break From Your Kids' Physical Activity

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 21 Dec 2007 - 1:00 PST

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New toys. DVDs. Desserts. Days off from school. All of these elements are a recipe for a lethargic winter break. BounceU is encouraging all parents to keep their kids regularly active and off the couch.

Brent Schmick, president of BounceU says regular physical activity can affect weight, muscular strength, aerobic fitness, bone density, blood pressure, anxiety, stress and self-esteem.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, USDA and the National Institute of Health standards, school-age children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day and shouldn't stay stationary for more than two hours at a time.

"It's really important that time off school doesn't mean time off physical exercise or activity. In addition, the best way to get your kids moving is to lead by example. Kids whose parents are physically active are more likely to adopt the same type of lifestyle," Schmick said. "To put it in perspective, a minute of bouncing up and down can burn about three calories - as many as are in one regular M&M candy."

Schmick suggests a leisurely family stroll, a game of hoops, sledding, swimming or yoga to help move and play together - all of which will make a huge impact in one's health.

There are four pieces of advice Schmick offers to parents:

- Encouragement: Encourage your kids to be active. Suggest activities. Cheer for them. Praise their efforts.

- Involvement: Go to the games. Join the team boosters. Show them it matters to you.

- Facilitation: Make sure they have access to facilities and/or programs. Don't count on your kids getting the activity they need at school alone.

- Role Modeling. Walk to work. Run your errands on a bicycle. Stretch regularly. What you do is what they learn.

BounceU locations have expanded their hours for open bounce sessions, family bounce and morning preschool playdates during the winter break. Residents are encouraged to contact them to make reservations.

http://www.bounceu.com