September Fitness Challenge

This month you can expect to increase your endurance as you navigate through 4 different AMRAP's (As Many Rounds/Reps As Possible) in the designated time allowances. Remember, form & quality trump your score so please be mindful to work through full range of motion on all exercises while doing your best to complete each workout as quickly as you can. 

September is also Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and if you have children I hope you are leading by example the importance of physical activity and healthy eating. Too many young children are experiencing critical health problems that were once only inflicting adults. Click on the link where you can find some excellent information, handouts and tweets to help spread awareness. 

One in 3 children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, I am encouraging your family to make healthy changes together.

• Get active outside: Walk around the neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park. Have them join you in the monthly fitness challenge.
• Limit screen time: Keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to 2 hours or less a day.
• Make healthy meals: Buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods.

Taking small steps as a family can help your child stay at a healthy weight. 

September also raises awareness about the importance of Fruits & Vegetables.

Most people know that eating fruits and vegetables is important for good health, but most of us still aren’t getting enough. This September, I am  proud to participate in Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month.

Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can help you:

• Lower your risk for heart disease and some types of cancer
• Maintain or reach a healthy weight
• Keep your body strong and active

Here are some ideas to help you and your family fit more fruits and vegetables into your day:

• Keep a bowl of fruit handy where the whole family can see it.
• Cut up fruits and veggies ahead of time so they’re ready for quick, healthy snacks.
• Challenge your family to try a new veggie or fruit every week.

Remember, eating more fruits and veggies can be fun – and it’s worth it!

In Health & Fitness,

Marissa

Get Fit! Be Fit! Stay Fit!

Sources:

American Council of Sports Medicine retrieved from: http://www.acsm.org, Health Finder retrieved from: http://healthfinder.gov