Archive for August, 2009
Gymnastics Fitness Programs For Kids
The YMCA is one place for kids to find many different fitness programs. When people think about fitness, they think about exercise such as running, jogging, and even swimming. What most people do not even consider is a fitness program like gymnastics. Gymnastics is very popular, and kids can start as early as six months old. Some people think that this type of fitness program is for girls only, but it is open for anyone. Some of the top athletes have had gymnastics as a kid or adult. It keeps the body limber and strong and promotes healthy bones.
Five Years and Younger Gymnastics
There are four groups to gymnastics when you are five years old and younger. There is a Parent n’ Tot program for six months to 2 years old, Tumble Tots for three year olds, Tumble Tricks for four year olds, and Tumble Twisters for five year olds. This type of fitness program for kids starts out when they are young, and can continue until adulthood if they really enjoy what they are doing.
As a child turns six months old, they can easily start learning the fundamentals of gymnastics. This early class is more about fun than it is anything else. As they grow and advance into the different classes, they start learning tumbling and other mat activities.
Girls and Boys Six Years or Older Gymnastics
There is a six year old or older class for girls and one for boys in most locations. This fitness program is for those that have had some prior gymnastics or who are just starting out. Kids in these groups start learning how to do more moves on the mats, and then on the balancing beams. These classes will keep going until the child enters into the invitation only programs if they have successfully accomplished their routines.
Boys and girls will be in different programs as they learn different moves on the beams, mats, and other gym equipment at this stage.
Invitation Only Gymnastics
The invitation only gymnastics are for kids that have excelled in prior years at gymnastics, and want to continue their learning for more serious competitions. These two groups are called the hotshots and the starbursts. By this time, the fitness program becomes more of a challenge with hours of work and dedication.
Many kids keep completing in gymnastics far into early adulthood or they move into dance in school. Both programs offer fitness and help keep the body healthy.
If your children need something healthy to do or they need some type of fitness programs to keep them active, gymnastics is just one of the programs they can participate in and maybe even enjoy into adulthood. It is a program that will keep them limber and it helps to build strong bones and muscles. During the fitness program, kids will need to eat properly and have a daily intake of protein and other healthy foods. Not only does the YMCA offer these programs, but also many cities have other fitness centers that can offer gymnastics for kids.
By: David OSullivan
About the Author:
Written by Dave O’Sullivan Co-Creator of Team NutraFun. For more information visit them at [http://www.nutritionalfun.com]
Fitness Facts: Tips for a Successful Weight Loss
Fitness is as unique to an individual as their own body. However, there are some prevalent fitness facts that can be applied to everyone. Understanding and knowing the fundamental fitness facts makes it easier to plan a workout routine that will make the most of your time and commitment, as well as provide the best results in the shortest possible time.
Here are 10 fitness facts that may encourage you to start a weight loss program or to get back into your regular workout routine.
1. Be sure to drink a lot of water throughout the day. Because muscles are 75% water, the lack of hydration can, in fact, hold back muscle development. So, make it a habit to drink water regularly.
2. Limit your exercise to 30-45 minutes. A lot of people who want to make the most of their exercise usually spend too much time in the gym. The fact is that after 30 or 45 minutes, the advantage is not really that great. In order to go that long you would need to drop the intensity of your workout. It’s always better to do an exercise routine at a higher intensity for a short period of time.
3. Carbohydrates are our body’s main source of energy. If you are doing intense workouts you must have plenty of carbs or else you won’t have much energy. A banana is a good source of the high glycemic/low fiber carbohydrates that are required for exercising.
4. Many workout practices could fall under the cardio category. Going outdoors for a morning jog or walk is considered one way. Signing up with a gym for an aerobics course is also a good exercise. If you like staying at home, then an exercise bike or treadmill can aid in losing the excess fat.
5. Regular exercise can help quicken your metabolism. This can aid you in staying slim by burning calories even after you’ve exercised.
6. There are so many health advantages linked to having an energetic lifestyle and a regular workout routine. Weight lifting has many advantages including denser bones and a faster metabolism. A fitness fact is that being continuously active burns fat and lowers the blood pressure.
7. Many people forget to ensure that they are getting the right amount of protein that their muscles need in order to reconstruct. If you don’t, you’re going to get very little results out of your workout as both cardio and strength workouts utilize proteins for building muscles.
8. Last of all, always stay motivated and don’t give up easily. It can be quite arduous to stay motivated if you’re not fond of working out, but you still need to exercise and go on a good diet if you want to lose weight. Find a way to make exercising enjoyable and it won’t seem like an inconvenient activity anymore.
By: Shayla Temple
About the Author:
Shayla Temple is a natural weight loss expert. For more great info on natural weight loss secrets and tips, visit http://naturalweightlossforever.com/fitness-facts/.
