Apparently, America isn’t the only nation with an obesity crisis in its midst. USA Today recently reported that China is having an obesity crisis of its own. To fight it, the country is urging its youth to be active.
According to USA Today, the obesity problem in China is being blamed on the rise in popularity of video games and fast food. In an effort to counteract these bad habits, USA Today reported that, “The Chinese government is urging schools to boost physical education amid a growing obesity problem.”
Ring a bell? The same issues — video games and fast food — could be causes of America’s own obesity problem. It’s not only an issue in America and China. Obesity is a problem that countries all of the world face.
However, instead of turning to schools to fight the obesity problem, in children specifically, how can health clubs make a positive impact? After all, schools were built to teach and educate. Their main focus is not to foster fitness. That’s where you step in.
Think about how you, specifically, could influence children’s health in a positive way. Consider reaching out to school districts in your area, to see if they’d be interested in becoming community partners. Do you offer a kids’ Group X class, such as Zumbatomic (a Zumba class designed for children between the ages of 4 and 10)? See if schools would be interested in having one of your instructors come to the school a couple times a month, to teach a class during recess or gym.
Are any of your personal trainers good public speakers? Are they energetic and passionate about their job? Ask a principal if they’d be willing to let that personal trainer speak during a school assembly on the importance of fitness.
You, your personal trainers and instructors, have knowledge about health and fitness that schools don’t have. Put that knowledge to good use, and see if you can help fight the obesity epidemic!
Do you have any ideas you’d like to share on how health clubs could help fight obesity?
Rachel Zabonick is the Assistant Editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
Great post. We’re working with several fitness professionals who seek to get involved with local high schools with our Weight Management University platform as seen here: http://www.wmutrial.com/
We can even put the school mascot in the header…!