The Springfield YMCA has kid fitness classes at both facilities to get kids moving and active. September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and the Springfield YMCA is committed to the fight against this epidemic in Illinois. Kid fitness classes are free to members and kids learn how to exercise correctly to get results. And, kids have a great time moving to awesome music. Y kid classes include Boot Camp Jr, Kid Hip Hop, Ultimate Workout Junior and Kids Yoga. Y Kids ages 8-15 may participate in group exercise classes designed just for their growing bodies and energy level at both the Downtown and Gus and Flora Kerasotes locations. Visit the Y’s website and check out Youth Fitness for group exercise classes for kids and adults.
Recent findings by the Center for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics say that nearly 30 percent of children and adolescents aged 8–15 in the United States misperceive their weight status, with approximately 81 percent of overweight boys and 71 percent of overweight girls believing they are about the right weight. Given these findings, now is a good time to talk about how families should discuss the role perception plays in childhood obesity and ways to reverse course through increased physical activity and improved eating habits. According to the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Illinois is ranked 4th in the nation for obesity among children. The ICAAP goes on to state 34.9% of children residing in Illinois (10-17 years) are considered overweight or obese. If unchecked, obesity puts children at risk for many chronic diseases seen in adults such as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
The Y is a leading voice in keeping kids healthy and preventing childhood obesity in Springfield. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.
