Children's fit program to begin

  • Published
  • By Nick DeCicco
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Kids Fun Fitness, a program to help combat childhood obesity, is set to kick off Oct. 22 at the Fitness Center.

For $25, parents can enroll children, ages 6 to 11, in eight classes that will help them stay active.

"We're looking for creative ways to get families to the gym," said Barbara Hickenbottom, 60th Services Squadron fitness specialist.

The plan is to have the courses at the same time as the adults are at the gym, she said.

"We're trying to broaden the fitness arena to the entire family by giving parents an opportunity to take free aerobic classes," said Tammy Jankowski, instructor for the 9 to 11-year old class.

Ms. Jankowski said this is the second time such courses have been offered.

Crystal McCarter, instructor for 6 to 8-year olds, said children are always happy to come to class.

"They get to run around and be silly and have fun at the same time," she said. "It's like an hour-long recess."

Also, childrens' courses will be tied into activities for which they can earn FitFactor points.

FitFactor is a points-based exercise program encouraging children from ages 6 to 18 to lead healthy lives and stay in shape.

"The goal is to get children away from the computer screens and games and get them back interacting with other children," Ms. Jankowski said.

The 6 to 8-year olds will warm up and then do activities such as hula hoop contests, running or jumping jacks for exercise.

Ms. Jankowski said her class will focus on stretching, calisthenics, agility, relays, drills, and drills for sports such as basketball, wallyball, dodgeball, kickball and discussions about nutrition.

In addition to the physical benefits, Ms. McCarter said it also presents an opportunity for children, such as her 7-year-old daughter, to interact. 

"She's in the class also and she has always been kind of shy and it helped her a lot just being around other children more," Ms. McCarter said. "It helps them with social skills by teaching them to join in with the other kids without being so shy and reserved."

"Parents like it, too, because when they pick the kids up, they're tired. It's around dinner time and it's time for bed and school the next day, so, it works out good."

The classes are set for Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for 6 to 8-year olds and Monday and Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for 9 to 11-year olds.

For more information, contact 424-0989.