What’s Growing Healthy all about?

The American Pediatric Association, the Centers for Disease Control and a host of other health authorities have all shared reports on the escalating rate of overweight children in the United States. In the last 20 years the prevalence of childhood obesity has doubled. Currently, more than 10 percent of children in the U.S. are overweight and a total of 15 percent are at-risk to become overweight. With childhood obesity rising to epidemic levels, the incidence of serious weight-related health conditions such as Type II diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and heart disease—is increasing. Pediatricians are now advised to check for high blood pressure in children as young as 3 years old! It is truly a health crisis. The need for effective interventions has never been clearer.
The good news! Studies show that kids who exercise at least 2.5 hours per week are nearly 30% less likely to be at-risk for obesity. Bump it up to 5 hours per week and the prevalence of obesity could decrease by 60% among American kids. The rewards are significant. What’s more, studies show that children who maintain a healthy body weight also:

• Achieve better grades in school

• Display higher levels of self-esteem and self-confidence

• Are less likely to be overweight as adults

It’s a win/win situation. Our children are our future!

Why should I send my child to Growing Healthy?

Growing Healthy helps children integrate regular physical activity and nutrition know-how into their lives so they can grow into healthy, active adults. We offer:
Kids-Only Fitness Our facility, conveniently located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, is specifically designed for children ages 6 to 13 and includes:

• State-of-the-art weight training equipment sized specifically for children

• Cateye GameBike, a virtual reality cycling experience that incorporates body movements. Play against the computer, or, connect additional GameBikes and compete against friends.

• Dance, Dance Revolution. Get fit while you move your feet to the beat with this interactive dance game.

Certified Trainers & Instructors Growing Healthy was established in 2006 by Maureen Wallace, an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer, and mother of two school-aged kids. Her idea for Growing Healthy grew out of her own experience of finding that there were few resources available in our communities to help kids with fitness and weight control. She saw a way to help kids by creating Growing Healthy, a fitness studio just for kids. A place where Fitness is FUN! Maureen also works closely with a child nutritionist to develop fresh fun ideas to teach children the principles of healthy eating.

Small Classes. Personal Attention. Growing Healthy limits class size to 4 children, which means, each child receives personalized instruction and feedback in every session. In addition, we offer the option of Girls Only and Boys Only classes focusing on fitness, nutrition and self confidence.