New York, NY (February 9, 2010) -- Having more than doubled in the last two decades, obesity rates among children are increasing at a staggering rate. But two local experts in children’s fitness says getting kids to exercise doesn’t have to be an exercise in frustration.

“A third of the adults in this country are classified as obese,” says Jeff Freeman, co-owner and director of The Little Gym of Upper West Side and Scarsdale. “These adults pass their poor eating habits and low activity levels on to their children. It’s a dangerous cycle and one we hope to have a hand in breaking.”

The key, according to Freeman is to find out what your child is interested in and find a way to incorporate movement and activity into that. Equipment, toys and games can be a great way to inspire activity as well. A trampoline, basketball hoop, swing set, jungle gym, or batting tee can all inspire a child to be more active. Indoors, a parent can employ a tumbling mat, inflatable punching bag and games like Twister or interactive video games. Anything that involves movement and allows the child to experiment and progress at his or her own pace can be used, Freeman said. Inviting friends over or getting a playful puppy can also inspire activity, he said.

“For kids, playing isn’t the same as working out. Activity is playtime. It’s social. It’s a way to release all of their bottled up energy. But when you tell a child to ‘exercise’ it feels like work and they resist that,” said Ian Axelrod,  co-owner and director of The Little Gym of Upper West Side and Scarsdale. “They’re enjoying themselves, they don’t think about the fact that they’re getting exercise and you don’t have to prod and cajole them.”

Axelrod employs this strategy at his gyms where kids build motor skills while engaged in gymnastics-based activities that are fun and encouraging. The same thing can be done at home, according to Axelrod, by making games and activities out of things they’re interested in.

“If your child is into science fiction movies or video games, buy him or her some space-age looking props and invite them to act out their favorite scenes. They’ll get plenty of activity running around the house or tackling aliens,” Axelrod said.

Axelrod notes that nearly any activity will seem interesting to children if their parents are involved. Playing with their children also makes it easier for parents to lead the children in a variety of movements and actions, like running, jumping and rolling.

“If you’re playing and moving right along with them, your child will enjoy it so much more, because they want and need to interact with you,” Axelrod said. “It’s also good for your health.”

Both Freeman and  Axelrod said parents should be spending at least a few hours every week playing with their kids. Whether it’s a long bike ride, a flag football game at the park or even some time playing a physically interactive video game, having mom or dad involved makes an activity much more interesting for the child. Children are most apprehensive when they don’t feel supported in a new activity, so the more parents can model healthy activities and behaviors at home, the easier it is to motivate their children to do the same.

About The Little Gym

The Little Gym environment is strictly non-competitive, focusing on creating fun, positive experiences. This combination gives children the confidence they need to take prudent risks and be challenged in new ways. Each new achievement raises their self-esteem and instills a life-long confidence in their ability to succeed. Classes are designed for children up to 12 years old and include gymnastics, parent/child classes, sports skill development and karate. Summer/holiday camps and birthday parties are available. 

The Little Gym was founded in 1976 by Robin Wes, an innovative educator with a genuine love for children. The Little Gym’s motor skill development program helps children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. The Little Gym International, Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ was formed in 1992 in order to franchise The Little Gym concept. Today, The Little Gym International has over 275 franchises in 18 countries.

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