BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – During the summer, most children spend the time indoors playing video games.
Experts say that may be one reason the childhood obesity epidemic is growing.
According to the American Obesity Association, more than 15 percent of children are now obese.
To help curb the epidemic, the YMCA in Blue Springs, Mo. is offering a new program called “Kids In Action”.
The program targets children between the ages of 9 and 13.
According to Zach Norman, the Health and Wellness Director at the YMCA, this particular group is often overlooked.
“Gyms are very intimidating in general. Just to walk into a new facility is intimidating for anybody let alone a 9 year old,” said Norman.
As a fitness instructor, he has seen the childhood obesity problem grow to epic proportions.
So Norman teamed up with other members of his staff to create the program.
The “Kids In Action” program combines old school games like dodge ball and kick ball with fitness exercises like jumping jacks and running.
“You get to come out here everyday, play dodge ball, kick ball and all sorts of game and i think it is really fun,” said Mckenna Salsburry, a participant.
In addition to the outdoor games, the program also allows kids to make a splash and build up muscles and social skills by taking a dip in the pool.
“The biggest thing is to keep them moving. They get 35 to 45 minutes of activity once they complete their warm up and cool down,” added Norman.
Besides learning how to be physically fit, the program also teaches the kids how to become mentally fit.
“It helps build character but that's only through the pros and cons from losing and winning,” said Norman.
The YMCA recently received a Nintendo Wii.
Norman says he plans to integrate that into the “Kids In Action” program so the children learn how to get exercise without spending a lot of time outdoors.
“If you can't go outside, or if you are inside with a babysitter there are certain things you can do to get your blood flowing, your heart rate up and the small steps. you don't have to run two miles, you just have to be active,” said Norman.
The program runs until the first week of August. It cost $25 per month.
If you are not able to attend the “Kids In Action” program, the YMCA offers a number of other programs including a monthly kids night out and a junior boot camp.
There are 19 YMCA Membership facilities in the Kansas City metropolitan Area. The price of a membership depends on your family’s income.
