Published: Monday, 15 December 2008
Ever wonder how hard you’re really working while exercising? Stop wondering and start counting! Here is a handy formula to help determine if you’re hitting your Target Heart Rate during exercise. If the mere mention of the word “formula” sends you into math anxiety, be rest assured that this is a simple mathematical calculation that even I, the descendant of a long line of math-phobes, can master.
Published: Monday, 8 December 2008
In a previous column we explored fun strength training games for young children. As promised, we’ll now address exercises that cater to the needs of older kids, specifically pre-teens. The kids in this tricky category require exercises that aren’t too juvenile but still contain an underlying element of fun. Before we get started, you may want to refer to previous columns on the subject.
Published: Monday, 1 December 2008
Last week one of my students asked me if I could still do the splits. Still? Truth is, she was on to something. My splits aren’t what they used to be. As we age, our bodies become less flexible. Of course, the ability to do the splits isn’t necessary for those of us who aren’t cheerleaders or gymnasts. What is important, however, is the ability to maintain healthy mobility throughout our daily lives. Outlined below are a few select stretching positions that, if followed, will help you achieve this goal. Try them with your kids. Show them how flexible Mom (still) is.
Published: Monday, 24 November 2008
I bet I’m not alone in questioning my proficiency as a mother. There is a lot of emphasis placed on being a good mother in our society. It’s wonderful that motherhood is so valued in our culture, but at the same time, the expectations can be overwhelming. We’re supposed to be dedicated to mothering our kids and contributing to the household (and manage to look hot while we’re at it). It’s an ideal that at times seems out of reach.
Published: Monday, 17 November 2008
Every now and then, during my appearances in elementary schools, I run across a program that knocks my socks off. The Zest Quest wellness program now has that honor. Thanks to Zest Quest, students and faculty in fourteen South Carolina elementary schools benefit from a full-time wellness coach on campus. What’s a wellness coach? Sometimes used in large companies to reduce employee health care costs and increase worker productivity, wellness coaches motivate, educate, and support their clients toward creating a healthier lifestyle. The
Published: Monday, 10 November 2008
Kids love to show off their knowledge on a wealth of subjects. You’ve probably run across kids who amaze you with their knowledge of dinosaur facts or baseball stats. Even young children show an aptitude for learning and remembering facts. My three-year-old son knows the difference between a front-end loader truck and an excavator and corrects me when I get it wrong. Of course, this thirst for knowledge would be unremarkable if it were only about facts. In reality, it’s about passion.
Published: Monday, 3 November 2008
Recently I’ve noticed an upswing in the enrollment of ElectriKids’ after-school dance classes. I must specify that these dance classes are non-traditional. Kids show up in their regular school clothes. There are no mirrors, and students are encouraged to put their own style into the basic steps introduced during class. The increase in participation is great news since dancing is an effective tool in keeping kids healthy.
Published: Monday, 27 October 2008
I pinned on my red ribbon last week and began my annual trek to elementary schools, touting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Red Ribbon Week, a drug-prevention campaign, is celebrated by an estimated 80 million Americans each year. It is the largest, most visible prevention/awareness campaign observed annually in the United States. Schools across the country are decorated with hundreds of red bows and homemade posters with slogans like “I’m drug-free and proud!”
Published: Monday, 20 October 2008
You never thought this day would come—your little bundle of joy now wants to lift weights. Before you panic, read my column on the safety of strength training for kids. You’ll learn that kids who possess the necessary body awareness skills to master proper form are ready to take on the challenge of strength training. You’ll also learn the many benefits of youth strength training- from increased muscular endurance to improved self-image.
Published: Monday, 13 October 2008
There’s no question that the fitness industry has diversified. Anyone looking to mix up their workout routine can choose from a cornucopia of unique fitness programs. One of the biggest reasons for this fitness programming explosion is the influx of Eastern-influenced exercise techniques and philosophies. Mind/Body classes, as they’re often categorized, are thriving in gyms and community centers all over the country, even in the smallest of towns.
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