There is a lot of fear and anxiety that goes into raising a healthy child. As a parent, it is not possible to safeguard a child from unexplained epidemics such as Autism and Asthma. However as a parent, there is one epidemic within your control: childhood obesity.
Obesity is one of the biggest health risks facing American children today. Recent statistics show that the number of obese and overweight children is soaring.
“According to the CDC obesity among children and teens has drastically increased over the past three decades, almost tripling in some age groups,” says Michael Chaffin who is the proud father of 3-year-old son Tyler and 2-year old daughter Tia.
Chaffin is also a district personal training manager with Lifestyle Family Fitness. He was so moved by the childhood obesity epidemic that he worked with company leaders to implement a national program called Start Fit, Stay Fit. The program provides fitness classes for children ages 3 to 11 and is designed to make exercise and a healthy lifestyle fun and enjoyable.
“Obese children and adolescents are at risk for all sorts of health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes,” says Chaffin. “If we can get entire families involved in fitness we can help those children return to health.”
The CDC backs recommendations like the one Chaffin makes. Online the CDC suggests that parents add physical activity to their own daily routine and encourage children to join in.
“We as parents have to keep stressing the fact of staying active,” says Alison Smith, whose 7 year old and 4 year old daughters Bryanna and Mikayla both participate in Start Fit, Stay Fit.
“I think it is very important to help young children realize the importance of good physical activity and how to treat our bodies right to keep them strong and healthy,” adds Smith.
Lisa Andrews is a parent who was similarly moved by the program last summer. She brought her 4 year old son to the health club with her and worked out while he took his class.
“Emory thought it was so cool that he and I both went to the gym to work out,” says Andrews. “He loved the class! It was a small enough group that they all got individual attention, but big enough that he got to interact with, and make friends with, others in the class.”
Start Fit is for children ages 3 to 5. Stay Fit is for ages 6 to 11. Classes run at select Lifestyle Family Fitness locations nationwide, in 8 week cycles. New classes begin February 23rd. Join anytime. Prices are $10 per class, but free taster classes are available to first time visitors.
“Children can wear anything to class. Typically at least play clothing or workout clothing,” adds Chaffin on a final note.
To get information on the Start Fit, Stay Fit program near you, please call any Lifestyle Family Fitness. You can find contact information for a center near you by visiting www.lff.com and going to the “club locator” page. Start Fit, Stay Fit is currently held in 25 clubs. Class times vary from location to location.

SIDEBAR: WHY IS CHILDHOOD OBESITY CONSIDERED A HEALTH PROBLEM?

Doctors and scientists are concerned about the rise of obesity in children and youth because obesity may lead to the following health problems: