As the nation’s waistlines continue to expand, there is more of a focus on creating a new generation of healthy children and teens so the next generation doesn’t continue down the same path.
Canyon Ranch in Tucson is doing it’s part to help with it’s Healthy Weight for Teens (14+) and Family Program which is scheduled for August 12 – 19. It’s all part of a greater plan to get the entire family on board which creates a large support system for all involved.
Mike Siemens is the Clinical Director of Exercise Physiology at Canyon Ranch, he says there are several ways to encourage children and teens to be more active. He said to set a good example as a parent, by adopting better habits, limit video games and cell phones, or sign them up for a camp or new activity.
Siemens goes on to say not all technology is bad, there are devices and gadgets that can help achieve fitness goals. For instance the Fit Bit device tracks your movement all day long, monitoring your heart rate, at the end of the day you can check your progress on the computer.
The most important thing is to keep your kids active, and there are many ways to accomplish that even a game of Twister can get them moving, and depending on their age a gym may be appropriate.
According to Siemens, if your child is old enough for organized sports, generally speaking, they can start a strength training program which is a fun way to build healthy muscles, joints and bones. Siemens says another benefit is that an appropriately designed program can also improve endurance and prevent injuries.
As any fitness professional will tell you, health is not only about exercise, but also proper eating habits. Siemens says it is the parents responsibility to give their children knowledge about making healthy choices.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the calories of some popular drinks and snacks and workout time to burn those calories.
Drinks (12 oz.)
Soda – 140 calories = 20 minutes of exercise
Fruit juice – 170 calories = 24 minutes of exercise
Fruit juice mixture (half fruit juice, half seltzer water) – 85 calories = 12 minutes of exercise
Snacks (1 oz.)
Corn Chips (10 chips) – 140 calories = 20 minutes of exercise
Potato Chips (14 chips) – 150 calories = 21 minutes of exercise
Popcorn – 110 calories = 16 minutes of exercise
Dessert
1 cup of Greek yogurt – 130 calories = 19 minutes of exercise
½ apple (40 calories) with 1 Tbs. peanut butter (105 calories) – 145 calories = 21 minutes of exercise
Apple pie – 470 calories = 67 minutes of exercise
For more information on the Healthy Weight for Teens (14+) and Family Program visit www.canyonranch.com or call them at 1-(800) 742-9000, they are also offering 25% discount on 2-night stays (and longer) as part of their Phoenix Resident Special which is running through September 27, 2012.
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