With game consoles and the Internet, children are playing as much as
they always have--but now, they sit still while doing it. Kids spend as
much time watching TV, using computers, and playing video games as they
spend in school each week. One in every three kids in America is
considered overweight or obese, and the number one concern that parents
bring up to pediatricians is keeping kids fit. Half of all children are
not physically active enough for the development of a healthy
cardiovascular system.
303 Kid-Approved Exercises and Active Games helps 6-8 year old kids
get off their chairs with fun and age-appropriate exercises. Exercise
for children must be fun. These exercises have been used for personal
training sessions, kids fitness classes, kids fitness camps, birthday
parties and in schools; they have all been "Kid-Approved!".
Kimberley Wechsler, a specialist in Kid's Fitness, took into account the
fundamental attributes of being a child while developing these
exercises. Children have specific physiologic differences that make them
unique. They grow, mature, and develop skills at different ages, so what
may be skill appropriate for one child could be harmful for another
child. These exercises reflect the emotional, social, physical level of
this age group.
At this age, children feel confident with the basic skill of fitness and
are now ready to be challenged to more complex moves. They are now at
the skill level in which physical challenges like balance, muscle
building, hand-eye, hand-foot coordination, increasing challenges for
their fine and gross motor skills, and functional training can be more
added. They are growing in their intellectual and emotional processes as
well, which now allows this age group to follow and understand simple
rules of a sport. They are also introduced to the concept of friendly
competition and sports fitness.
Children also enjoy using their imagination and fantasy, so exercises
require the use of their imagination. There are games and fitness
challenges that require kids to take an active role in learning new
skills, and there are introductions to new sports. Kids still enjoy
outside participation so families, friends, educators and counselors can
participate in all of the 303 activities.
Kids at this age can't seem to sit still--their minds are always
thinking and their bodies are always moving. Children have short
attention spans, so most of the activities can be played within a 15
minute period of time and many choices are offered throughout the book.
303 Kid-Approved Exercises and Active Games supports children's energy
and directs it in a positive way; the activities take advantage of a
child's natural tendency to be active with unstructured or free play.
303 Kid-Approved Exercises and Active Games develops intellectual,
emotional, and social skills for children, all the while promoting an
active and healthy lifestyle.
