Put Fitness Back In Schools to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Kids today are more overweight than ever before

. More time is spent in front of computers and video games and far less of their time is spent getting exercise. Kids don't even spend as much time outdoors as they did in the past. With parents working longer hours and concern for personal safety, kids are inside more than ever. Not only are kids getting less exercise in their everyday life, many fitness programs at schools are suffering because of budget and program cuts. What can parents do to encourage schools to implement simple fitness programs?

First of all, fitness at school does not always have to be a structured game or sport. A popular idea is catching on at elementary schools all over. It isn't a new idea or even an exciting new sporting activity. It is so simple that every child can participate. What is it? Walking - that's right, the simple act of walking is catching on and taking many schools by storm.

How is walking becoming so popular in schools? Because the staff of these schools are making it fun for the students! Kids are shown a large map and told how many miles it is to a far off land that they have learned about in school. The school then sets a goal to 'walk' to that place. Each child is given a card to track how far they walk each day at school.

Each child carries their card during break time and use the time walking to earn punches from staff members. Most schools have measured off a section of playground that is roughly one fourth of a mile and kids get a punch on their card for every lap they make. As the kids fill up their cards they are turned in to be counted and recorded on progress charts displayed throughout the school.

Kids get so excited to see the progress that they make individually and as a school. At the end of the year, the students who walked the furthest are honored at an assembly. Some schools even have a full day event that celebrates the destination that the kids 'walked' too, complete with samples of the culture and food from the area.

A fitness program such as this is a win/win situation. The kids exercise and learn the importance of fitness and the school is able to help kids get fit in spite of program cuts. The parent organization of the school can provide volunteers to help manage the program to help out the school. If parents and schools work together, we can combat the obesity problem that is facing our children.

Put Fitness Back In Schools to Prevent Childhood Obesity

By: Piper Cox

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