By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Photo/submitted
Westborough – According to the American Obesity Association, approximately one in five kids is overweight, a percentage that has more than doubled in the last 30 years. Childhood obesity is considered the most common nutritional disorder of U.S. children. And today’s children are considered the most inactive generation in history.
After seeing some of their students struggle with basic conditioning, Mass. Gymnastics Center (MGC) co-owner Leo Doran and instructor Jen Gillis decided to offer a new program designed to help kids develop their core fitness.
“FitKidz” will be an hour long class that will use all of the gym’s apparatus to help the kids develop those critical skills such as cardio, strength, flexibility and balance.
The class is for boys and girls, ages 8-12, and is open to children of all fitness levels, regardless of their athletic abilities. Participants will be grouped by age and ability level accordingly.
Kids can get frustrated when they don’t have the basic conditioning to be able to keep up with a very physical sport such as gymnastics. Not only does it damper their enthusiasm, it can also lead to them wanting to drop out of the sport.
By offering a fun way for kids to develop their fitness, it can also boost their self-esteem, as well as preparing them for the rigors of gymnastics or other sports, Doran said.
“They will be constantly challenged in a safe way while striving for their personal best,” he added.
The class will run on Tuesdays, March 20-June 12, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at MGC’s 74 Otis St., Westborough location. The cost is $255. For more information call 508-870-0253, visit www.massgymnastics.com/westborough or stop at the front desk.
