• Running the Right Way - PhillyFIT Magazine

H E A L T H Y K I D S S E C T I O NWhy Choose GymnasticsBy Stephen SmithWith all the choices parents have to keep their kids active andhealthy, why should they choose gymnastics? It’s simple: It’s fun!That’s all the kids need to know, but there are so many other reasonsthat gymnastics is the choice of so many parents.First of all, obviously, the more children move and stay active, thelower their risks of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in adulthood.But beyond just the physical benefits, a gymnastics programcan help children learn to interact with fellow students, engage withadults, and work together as a team. Children learn many socialskills, such as listening, being respectful to the coach and otherteammates, following directions, meeting new friends, and learningindependence. While working to improve individual skills, gymnastsalso participate as a team, providing the opportunity to challengethemselves and work together at the same time.40 I PhillyFIT*All specials are with Missie, Kristilin or Jessie*Dermasweep with Jen providng appropriate space availabilityw w w . d r m i r a b i l e . c o mFree & FUNHair andMake-up Demosand MakeoversGirls Day/Night Out!Thursday, May 16th • 12-7pmMay Memorial Day SpecialSpace Limited - Call today to schedule your participation! BRING A FRIEND and bothof you receive a free Dermasweep with Jen during our event!Botox: Only $10.00 per unitFillers $50 OFF purchase of 1 syringe$125 OFF purchase of 2 syringes$25 OFF Vitalize PeelSAVE $75 on Eye Package Deal: 20 units of Botox,Box of Latisse and TNS Eye Repair CreamEyelash Tinting $5.00 OFF • RefreshmentsRAFFLE - $150 give-away/enter to win Skin Medica product!Dr. Robert J. Mirabile610-272-8821May/June I 267-767-4205 I www.phillyfit.comAnother benefit of gymnastics beyond the physical is that childrenlearn that commitment and concentration provide great rewards.They realize that by following through with their lessons and practicingwhat they have learned, they are able to accomplish skillsthey never dreamed they could do when they started. The confidencethat is built up, encourages them to try new skills and persevere.They see the benefits of an active lifestyle and will hopefullycontinue this lifestyle into adulthood.The physical benefits of gymnastics cannot be overlooked.Gymnasts are known for their excellent body strength and muscledevelopment. Gymnastics can help provide children with musclestrength, endurance, and power. This, in turn, leads to improvedstrength, balance, coordination, posture, and self-confidence. Thesebenefits make gymnastics not only beneficial in its own right, butalso an excellent cross-training tool for other sports.For parents, gymnastics is a step in the right direction to providetheir children with the foundation for living an active life. Fewactivities provide the physical, mental, social, and developmentalbenefits that gymnastics provides. But kids know the best reason ofall to do gymnastics: It’s fun!Stephen Smith has been involved in gymnastics for over 20 years as a gymnast and a coach. Heis the Owner and Boys Head Coach at High Performance Gymnastics Training Center, located at31 Oak Avenue, Suite 200, in Chalfont, Pennsylvania. High Performance Gymnastics offers classesand competitive teams for girls and boys of all ages, all-star cheer teams, birthday parties,summer camp, parents night out, back handspring clinics, and open gym. You can find out moreabout High Performance by calling (215) 996-1015 or visiting the website atwww.highperformancegymnastics.com.