Program hopes to make exercise fun for teens
Nicole Thornton understands exercise is not the most exciting thing in the world, especially for kids. This is why Thornton, an exercise physiologist at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, has teamed up with Roufia Payman, a nutrition specialist, to start "Fun, Food and Fitness," a nutrition and exercise program for 10- to 14-year-olds.
The main purpose of the program, which starts this month, is to make kids aware of healthy lifestyle choices and offer them an alternative to sitting in front of the computer.
The fitness program changes day to day, from basic cardio-vascular workouts, pilates and stretching to obstacle courses or "boot camp."
"We try to be creative with it, make it fun," Thornton said.
While the nutrition aspect of the program is occasionally classroom-based, it often becomes part of the game.
"We have them on the treadmill and then -OK, what are the major food groups?" This approach has double benefits, since it also serves "to kind of distract them from the treadmill."
Parents are encouraged to attend and get the chance to go through the entire program with their children. "If the kid has to watch their diet, has to exercise, it's no fun," Thornton said, but notes turning it into a family affair makes the process more pleasant.
Childhood Obesity