February 2006

Fitness Begins in Preschool

By Karen Irwin

Anyone who has spent time with a preschooler knows that what a 3- to 5-year-old craves most is the freedom to run, leap and climb to his or her heart’s content. It seems that from the time their little toes touch the ground in the morning to the time they go to bed at night, they are in a constant state of activity, which is why it comes as a surprise to most parents to hear that their preschool-aged child needs exercise.

Obesity is the main reason medical professionals are recommending exercise for this young age group. Fatty streaks are turning up in the arteries of children as young as 2. The American Heart Association states that many children are leaving preschool with multiple risk factors for heart disease. In the 1970s, 5 percent of American children were overweight. Today, the estimate has risen to 15 percent. This growing health problem predisposes children to earlier onset of adult diseases and can shorten their adult lives.

Convenience foods high in fat and sugar, the sedentary lure of the television and other screen media, and restricted outdoor play contribute to the higher incidence of obesity and obesity-related medical problems in younger children. Simply put, obesity is an energy imbalance with too many calories going in and not enough being burned off. Educators and medical professionals alike agree that a healthy diet and exercise are the best prevention.

But even if your little one is sitting pretty on the growth chart, pediatricians still recommend lots of activity.

How do you know if your preschool-aged child is getting enough exercise?

Experts recommend you chart the activity level of your children by keeping a diary of their physical activity. If your child’s day does not include at least one hour of strenuous play such as running, jumping, climbing or walking at a fast pace, it may be time to think about a lifestyle change.

Since there is no such thing as a Little Tykes Treadmill (thankfully) parents are left to come up with creative ways to encourage the use of their child’s natural energy and to set up some healthy habits.

The fitness directors at the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County like to think that this is where their job begins.

Valerie Smith, director of tiny tots swim classes, has parent and child programs that start as early as 6 months of age. Though she emphasizes that the objective in these classes is not fitness, she does see it as a great way to make activity a part of a child’s life early on.

“Our first concern is getting parent and child comfortable. When a parent and child first get in the pool, they are getting used to the water, bonding and having fun,” she says. She adds that it’s an excellent opportunity for parents to build healthy relationships with their own child and with other parents.

Jessica Sneal, director of movement education at the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County’s Morgan Family Branch, says kids who start activities early are much more likely to continue through their teenage years and then on through adulthood.

Jim Hulbert, program director at the Morgan Branch, says the best thing a parent can do for a child is to model healthy behavior. “When kids see Mom or Dad come into the Y to swim or run they get that activity is just a part of life.” What Hulbert loves to see is families with small children come in and play together. “Every day, kids need some activity, and parents can mix it up. Preschoolers can play dodge ball in the racquetball court, or play tag,” he says. Programs like the YMCA or parks departments also offer preschool-aged children numerous structured activities like dance, gymnastics, team sports and martial arts.

Hulbert notes that preschool-aged children are very tactile. “It’s great if an activity can incorporate an element of feeling and touching – like tossing beanbags, pulling pots and pushing wagons. Blow a whistle and see how fast kids can put their toys away.”

Something magical happens when a child starts learning new skills, Hulbert says. “They get a sense of how their bodies move, and they learn that they are in control.” He adds that it does wonders for a child’s confidence. Young children are able to grasp concepts like top/ bottom, push/pull and fast/slow when they themselves feel the particular motion, he explains.

Another known benefit of exercise is academic, which is why more schools are trying to incorporate physical fitness into the curriculum. Studies indicate that children who exercise are able to get through the day with less fatigue and to stay more alert.

Mitch Woodruff teaches physical education to preschoolers at Montessori in Motion in University Place. He starts all age groups with a warm-up run and encourages parents to do the same at home. He says kids of all ages love to race an adult. While kids are running and playing games, they are increasing in strength, flexibility and hand-eye coordination.

Woodruff acknowledges that kids at this young age can differ developmentally, but says he reassures parents all the time that most kids catch up. He says that teaching skills like running, throwing and catching will give little ones a fitness base for future participation in a variety of physical activities.

A child may not like all the activities he or she tries. Some little ones love team sports and others naturally shy away. “The important thing is to find something that is fun,” Woodruff reminds parents.

So, if you suspect your little one is spending too much time in a virtual world and not enough time in the real one, grab your tennis shoes and lace up together. If you enroll your child in a preschool, make sure that physical activity is an integral part of the curriculum. The research on strongest influences for lifelong physical activity points to you, the parent.

Karen Irwin is a University Place writer and mother of four.

Swim for Exceptional Children Program Open

Exercise is important for all children, including those faced with the added challenge of a disability. In response, the YMCA has developed a Swim for Exceptional Children program for ages 4 months to 18 years. With the help of an occupational therapist or physical therapist, children with all types of disabilities are able to participate in a structured activity and develop basic swimming skills.

The program is year around. Classes take place in an instructional pool, which has a temperature of 86 degrees. The warm water helps to relax muscles and ease movement.
Parents are required to participate in the class alongside the therapist. This enables families to work together for therapy and have a little fun together. Traditional therapeutic activities like range of motion and balance are also included.

There are no restrictions, as all disabilities are welcome. An application and a doctor’s referral are required. Call your local YMCA for participating details.

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