H E A L T H Y K I D S S E C T I O NWhy Choose GymnasticsBy Stephen SmithWith all <strong>the</strong> choices parents have to keep <strong>the</strong>ir kids active andhealthy, why should <strong>the</strong>y choose gymnastics? It’s simple: It’s fun!That’s all <strong>the</strong> kids need to know, but <strong>the</strong>re are so many o<strong>the</strong>r reasonsthat gymnastics is <strong>the</strong> choice of so many parents.First of all, obviously, <strong>the</strong> more children move and stay active, <strong>the</strong>lower <strong>the</strong>ir risks of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in adulthood.But beyond just <strong>the</strong> physical benefits, a gymnastics programcan help children learn to interact with fellow students, engage withadults, and work toge<strong>the</strong>r as a team. Children learn many socialskills, such as listening, being respectful to <strong>the</strong> coach and o<strong>the</strong>rteammates, following directions, meeting new friends, and learningindependence. While working to improve individual skills, gymnastsalso participate as a team, providing <strong>the</strong> opportunity to challenge<strong>the</strong>mselves and work toge<strong>the</strong>r at <strong>the</strong> same time.40 I <strong>PhillyFIT</strong>*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.comAno<strong>the</strong>r benefit of gymnastics beyond <strong>the</strong> physical is that childrenlearn that commitment and concentration provide great rewards.They realize that by following through with <strong>the</strong>ir lessons and practicingwhat <strong>the</strong>y have learned, <strong>the</strong>y are able to accomplish skills<strong>the</strong>y never dreamed <strong>the</strong>y could do when <strong>the</strong>y started. The confidencethat is built up, encourages <strong>the</strong>m to try new skills and persevere.They see <strong>the</strong> benefits of an active lifestyle and will hopefullycontinue this lifestyle into adulthood.The physical benefits of gymnastics cannot be overlooked.Gymnasts are known for <strong>the</strong>ir 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 o<strong>the</strong>r sports.For parents, gymnastics is a step in <strong>the</strong> right direction to provide<strong>the</strong>ir children with <strong>the</strong> foundation for living an active life. Fewactivities provide <strong>the</strong> physical, mental, social, and developmentalbenefits that gymnastics provides. But kids know <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> website atwww.highperformancegymnastics.com.
AbingtonClubKids CampJune 17th toAugust 23rd9am to 2pmEarly Arrival 7:30amExtended Daytill 6pmAges 3 1/2 to 12Daily, Weekly, 6-10 Week Packages AvailableLunch Provided Wednesdays and FridaysSwimming Lessons, Basketball, Karate, Arts and Crafts,Science, Ga Ga, Math Club, Volleyball, Dodge Ball,Theme Days and Special Events!300 Meetinghouse Road • Jenkintown, PA 19046215-885-0734 ext 113 Kelly DegorskiRates Available at www.abingtonclub.comMay/June I 267-767-4205 I www.phillyfit.com<strong>PhillyFIT</strong> I 41
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