Active Children -
The Importance of Exercise for Young People

By Jim Reece, Parents' Source, November 20, 2003.

Emphasis on weight is everywhere in American society. Children are not engaging in enough exercise and are suffering increased health problems as a result. As Rick Reilly wrote recently in Sports Illustrated, "This may be the first generation in American history to live fewer years than the one that came before it". As the medical profession takes steps to help obese children, it is important to realize the effect on all children weight consciousness may be having. In one study when children in the 3rd ­ 6th grades were surveyed, 70% believed they were fat, 45% wanted to be thinner, 37% had tried to lose weight and almost 7% met criteria for anorexia nervosa.

Overweight children report negative assumptions made about them by others due to early maturation and height increases, including being inactive or lazy, being strong and tougher than others, not having feelings and being unclean. Body Image Disorder is seen in adolescents, usually speared on by peer and parental criticism about weight. Its impact lasts long into adulthood. A study by Virginia Mee and Eleanor H. Wertheim, (School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University June, 2000) suggests a relationship between parents' and children's eating attitudes and behaviors both when children are young and during early adulthood.

As with dieting, body image is a prominent issue in fitness. It keeps many people, including children, from participating in exercise or sports. How do we achieve a healthier balance, for ourselves and our children, when it comes to exercise and diet? "From the media to our very individual selves we need a new way of looking at things, says Deb Britt, Director of Member Services at Body Zone Sports & Fitness Complex, Wyomissing. "The means to the end is not about looking better, it is all about living better." The focus must shift from thin thighs and tight abs to increased energy, higher self-esteem and a greater sense of well being.

Psychologist James Rosen of the University of Vermont in Burlington, offers these strategies to improve body image:

• Don't bad-mouth your body. Focus on what you like about yourself and practice acceptance.
• Learn to take a compliment. Be open to how others perceive you.
• Don't focus on your physical flaws. Step back and take a good look at the whole package, including traits such as intelligence, friendliness and a good sense of humor.
• You can start your children on the right track by emphasizing the fun and "feel good" benefits of being active, rather than the issues of weight and appearance.

Parents have an important role in the image development of their children's self image. It's never too early to encourage your children to lead healthy, active lifestyles, and the best way to do this is to lead by example. Children who participate in regular physical activity from an early age are more likely to develop and continue an active lifestyle throughout their teenage and adult years.

Regular physical activity improves muscular strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscle, helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces anxiety and stress, increases self esteem, and reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes in children which can lead to heart disease, blindness, asthma, sleep apnea, gall bladder disease, and depression. There are also a number of recent studies that demonstrate that children who exercise regularly are getting better results on standardized educational tests.

There are many ways you can encourage your children to exercise more regularly. Educate them. Talk to your child about the reasons behind the need to be more active. Involve the entire family. Find out from your children what they really enjoy and make a sport of it. Limit their time watching television and playing video games. Sure, they may complain at first, but be assured that you will not arrest their development by unplugging them and getting them moving.

Consider getting your child involved in a group or organized activity. Exercise is more fun when it is done in a group and seen as play. There are many opportunities across the county. At Body Zone Sports and Fitness Complex, for example, organized games begin as young as the tot crowd with weekly basketball, wiffleball, soccer, learn to ice skate, and swimming lesson programs. There are few scenes more enjoyable than a group of children running around led by enthusiastic instructors who understand the definition of fun. Having fun developing a better body image - imagine that!

Jim Reece is the Director of Operations at Body Zone Sports and Fitness Complex. To inquire about all children and youth programs, call 610-376-2100 or visit the website at www.bodyzonesports.com

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