Lab Rats: Childhood Physical Literacy Program

Obesity, specifically child obesity, has become an epidemic in our modern society. Currently, 17.1% of our youth aged two to 19 years old, are considered obese, with a shocking 33.6% not far behind, at high risk of becoming obese. Much of this is due to poor diet and the increased presence of phones, tablets and other substitutions for physical activity, creating a sedentary adolescent population. This can be extremely harmful for the future of these children, both physically and emotionally. Physical activity, including resistance training, has been proven as an effective means to decreasing the fatness in America’s children and adolescents. (NSCA, 2008)

Many parents have a misperception about the possibility of stunting growth or injuring their child during physical activity at a young age, specifically when it involves resistance training. This can be true, however not if the program is appropriately designed and supervised by responsible, educated coaches. Resistance training cannot decrease the genotypic maximum of an individual, meaning it will not affect the maximum height one was going to grow based on genetics. In fact, it has been proven to have a very favorable influence on growth, specifically on the strength of bones and improved motor skills (NSCA, 2008).

As for future sport performance, beginning resistance training and participating in general physical activity programs in youth has been shown to produce more successful athletes in the future. It allows the child to develop fundamental skills that can be used in multiple sports and in everyday life. An even more important benefit is the reduced risk of injuries during sporting events and recreational activities. The impact on the joints through these controlled and monitored movements increases the bone density and connective tissue strength in the body. This enhanced bone density is especially important for females, who become high risk for osteoporosis as they age (NSCA, 2008).

Here at Athletic Lab, we will be launching a children’s fitness program called Lab Rats. The program will feature three classes a week for ages 7-11. Currently, our Scholastic Sports Performance program (ages 12-18) is very successful in producing competitive athletes who are always improving their fundamental skills and applying them to their sport(s) of choice. The goal for the Lab Rats program has similar focus, but with much less attention on the competitive side, and much more focus on showing how physical activity can be fun. Classes will be taught by coaches who carefully monitor correct exercise form and provide appropriate modifications. With Athletic Lab’s diverse access to equipment and space, the kids will have the opportunity to do activities like climb ropes, push sleds, throw medicine balls, complete relay races, “play” on the rings, and so much more. In the process, the goal is for the kids to learn just how much their body can do, promote a lifestyle with physical activity, and most of all, to have fun. Details of the new program will be released shortly.

If you are in this class for your child please help us by taking this short survey: