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Early Years (2-6)
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 The benefits of regular physical activity include maintaining healthy bones and muscles, according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. With busy schedules and technology available to help entertain your child (keeping her from exercising), it can be difficult to find new, fun ways to lend a hand in stimulating them physically. Fitwize4Kids is a great gym for little ones. Their lifestyle centers provide specially designed fitness equipment that is made for a child’s body. Each piece allows for multi-joint, closed kinetic-chain movements, according to the Fitwize4kids Web site. When combined with the gym’s low-weight/high-repetition resistance program, growing kids can safely build lean muscles and reduce the risk of injury. The facilities also offer birthday parties, field trips, fundraisers, seminars, after-school programs and group classes. “While our regular members are between 5 and a half to 16 years old, we offer group classes for toddlers 5 and under, such as hip-hop, yoga, agility speed drills and more,” says Geetha Mandayam, a representative for Fitwize4Kids. Their open schedule caters to busy families, providing the option to drop kids off when it’s convenient for a fully structured and supervised 45-minute session.  “Fitwize4Kids is not just a gym for kids,” says Mandayam. “It is a healthy lifestyle center where kids learn about nutrition and develop healthy eating habits. We don’t focus on weight reduction only, but also look at building self-confidence and emotional health. Our goal is to make it fun for kids to achieve goals of health and fitness. We do this with age-appropriate activities.” At Fitwize4Kids, your kids can experience one class or have the option of becoming a member. Families of any income have the ability to provide a better lifestyle for their children. “We have discounted fees for families with limited income and do not turn away anyone because of income,” says Mandayam. “Our membership fees start from $59 a month; families with limited income receive a further discount.” Alternative options to kids’ gyms might include equipment such as the Mini Kickboard Scooter, sold through KickboardUSA. The balanced three-wheel scooter comes in orange, pink and blue. It has wheels to help aid balance and rides low to the ground, so kids can easily jump on and off.  “Compared to other exercises and activities, scooting on a Mini Kickboard Scooter has a relatively small learning curve and doesn't need a lot of kids to play, since kids can scoot alone or with friends,” says Laurie Kaiden, a spokesperson for KickboardUSA. “It's fun to use a Mini Kickboard Scooter, because kids can do it outside – for sport or transport.” Additionally, the Mini Kickboard Scooter has a low-to-the-ground flexible footboard and lean-and-steer maneuvering, so it's easy to ride. It helps even very young kids build confidence, agility and independence as they get around on their own. “Scooting makes exercise fun and looks almost like the scooters that older kids ride, so the younger kids fit right in,” says Kaiden. The Mini Kickboard Scooter is less expensive that you’d think; it retails for $79.99; kickboardusa.com. My Gym offers a variety of classes catering to age ranges from 6 weeks to 13 years. Classes include parent participation, karate/martial arts, Parents Night Out, camp, and Fit & Fun days. Each day is different, age-appropriate and optimal for building self-esteem. There are currently more than 200 My Gyms in over 25 countries throughout the world, according to my-gym.com. Each year, more than 1 million children enjoy the age-appropriate, non-competitive classes and birthday parties. For locations and class schedules, go to my-gym.com. “There are many classes available for toddlers and their parents in Orange County,” says Coleen Bennett, president of Orange County Kids Activities. “In addition to the many private gyms and dance studios, most city recreation departments offer six- to eight-week classes. They often partner with private companies to offer you a glimpse of a program without a long-term commitment. “If your child loves the class, you can sign up on a monthly basis directly with that business,” continues Bennett. “Don’t stop at just the city you live in. Most recreation departments will enroll you even if you don’t reside in their city. Also, check out local school districts and even community colleges.” To see what classes you and your toddler can join, visit orangecountykidsactivities.com Michelle Slieff is an intern at OC Family magazine.  STAY FIT, BE HAPPY!Here are a few kid-friendly gyms in Orange County: > Fitwize4Kids 19093 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach 714.848.5437 > My Gym 2040 Quail St. Newport Beach 949.261.5252 > Gymboree 1805 E. Dyer Road Santa Ana 949.852.8855 > The Little Gym of Tustin 12872 Newport Ave. Tustin 714.505.5857 |
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