SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - March 18, 2010) - A new national campaign was recently initiated by First Lady Michelle Obama to encourage children and their families to maintain healthy lifestyles. To keep the momentum in full gear, The Little Gym is helping families keep overall healthy living and exercise part of their daily routine.
Paul Dickison of The Little Gym International recommends that parents consider the following activities for their children. These activities help to maintain an active lifestyle and provide a range of other long-term benefits.
Gymnastics
- Advances physical strength, flexibility and coordination
- Improves confidence and expressive skills in social settings
- Increases problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Karate
- Helps develop self control and focus
- Builds flexibility, balance and core strength in the upper and lower body, and helps to build quicker reflexes and reaction skills
- Helps children keep attention and sustained concentration
Sports
- Encourages your child to be a team player and promotes sportsmanship
- Prepares children for a lifetime of positive sports experiences and improves cognitive understanding of the rules and strategies for team sports
- Teaches strength, coordination and teamwork while building confidence
According to the American Heart Association, an active lifestyle promotes overall physical, psychological and social benefits. It controls weight, reduces blood pressure, reduces the risk of diabetes and some cancers, while also building self-confidence and higher self-esteem.
"It's important to instill the notion of healthy living during the early stages of life," said Dickison. "The launch of the 'Let's Move' campaign is a great way to remind parents that being physically active and healthy can be fun for their children."
The Little Gym introduces children to physical activity through a gymnastics-based non-competitive curriculum. Progressive programs such as gymnastics, dance, sports skills, and karate promote coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility. The gym is based on a philosophy that allows children to experience success in a fun, caring and non-competitive way, Dickison said. Children's listening, social and cognitive capacities are all enhanced in the process, as students are encouraged to progress at their own pace.
For more information about The Little Gym, please visit www.thelittlegym.com.