April 26th, 2012 Zoe...Obviously
Most of you who play sports want to be able to kick butt this season! Here are some good words of wisdom and awesome advice from professional female athletes who conquered the World Cup AND The Olympics!
“Before a meet, I usually just try to surround myself with people who make me laugh, and I just listen to music or hang out with teammates. I swim the best when I’m relaxed and having fun and not really thinking too much about the race. I’ve already done all that in practice!”
—Katie Hoff: U.S. Olympic swimmer.
“Before I go out on the court, I like to think about this quote that my mom once texted me before a game, because it makes me mentally tough: ‘Pressure can make diamonds, or pressure can burst pipes.’ It reminds me to focus on the positive outcomes, and it motivates me to go out and play my best.”
— Skylar Diggins, junior guard for the Notre Dame women’s basketball team. Star of the 2010 NCAA tournament!
“Whenever I hit a wall in practice, or a game isn’t going our way, I do two things. First, I make myself smile because forcing that positive energy into your body really works after a while. Next, I start the positive chatter — just dishing out compliments and motivation to myself and to my teammates. I swear, confidence is contagious!”
— Alex Morgan, the youngest member of the U.S. Women’s World Cup soccer team.
Take this advice from the Pros, and go out and rock your season!
Talk to you guys later! Zoe…Obviously…signing off!
Posted in Fitness, Health, Sports | No Comments »
December 13th, 2011 admin
It’s hard to believe that 2011 is coming to an end already. Where has this year gone? As it comes to an end it’s time for us to reflect on everything that has transpired throughout the year!
Let’s take a look at trends that have come and gone regarding Childhood obesity in 2011.
What’s IN!!!
Educating Kids on healthy eating |
What’s OUT???
Letting Kids Eat Junk Food |
| Exciting PE classes that use social media and a
Variety of programs from Zumba to YOGA |
Boring Health & PE Classes
that don’t engage students |
| Video games that make you move like the
Wii & EA Sports |
Video games played on the couch |
| Community Involvement with kids focused on
campaigns such as Let’s Move & MECKids
You Gotta MOVE Events |
Schools go it alone to fight
childhood obesity |
| The Food Plate |
My Pyramid |
What do you think? Drop us a line and share your ideas on getting kids fit in the New Year!
Posted in Education, Events, Fitness, Health, meckids, Obesity, Schools, Sports, Teachers, Training, Uncategorized, Yoga | No Comments »
August 23rd, 2011 admin
How many of you grew up playing some type of organized sports? Some of the best memories that I have from my childhood are from playing on some type of team. Whether it was playing kickball during recess or playing volleyball during the summer, I always loved the feeling of being on a team. Team sports are some of the best ways to encourage your kids to get out there and get healthy. There are so many benefits that can come from your kids being part of the team both physically and emotionally.
If you encourage your kids to play some type of sports, they are going to be far more likely to stay active as they get older. They will be exercising and most likely won’t even realize it because of all the fun they will be having. Sign them up for a team and help them get on the right track to being a healthy adult!
By being part of a team your kids will also build a camaraderie with kids their own age. It is important that your kids get the opportunity to build friendships with kids so they know how to interact with others. Being on a team shows your kids how to rely on each other so that they can accomplish anything if they just work together.
Kids that are on a team also learn how to build confidence. Teamwork gives kids the chance to try things that they would not otherwise try on their own. They feel that they can accomplish so much when they know that they have others doing it with them.
If your kids are not already on a team, I would highly recommend that you get them involved in one somehow. Help your kids become healthy adults by encouraging them to start healthy habits while they are young. Being a part of a team makes everything better!
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August 11th, 2011 admin
Can you believe it? Summer is almost over. Your kids will be heading back to school within the next couple of weeks. I know there are some kids who eagerly await the chance to get back to school but most tend to dread the end of summer. Before the summer is over why not plan a few fun activities that you and your family can do together before the bustle of school begins.
1. Go Camping. You don’t even need to leave the house for this. If you have a tent pop it up in the backyard and make your own personal campsite. If you don’t have a tent or if you prefer to stay away from the bugs build a tent inside all you need is a few blankets and some cushions. Make it a no tv or computer night and enjoy the night with your family!
2. Go to your local zoo. I know I always loved going to the zoo as a kid. It was always so exciting to see such incredible animals that you don’t get to see on a typical day. You can even make it a learning experience. Have each kid pick out an animal and then at the end of the day have everyone share some facts about their animal of choice. Your kids will love hearing all about the other animals and you can add a fun element to the day.
3. Go for a bike ride or a hike. Take advantage of the weather and hit the trails while you still can. Explore a new park in your area or ride your bikes in a new neighborhood. Show your kids that exercising and being outside can be fun!
4. Have a movie night. The twist is instead of picking a typical movie pull out old family videos or make a fun slideshow with some family pictures. Pop some popcorn and get ready for an evening of laughter. You and your family will have so much fun remembering all the fun you’ve had together as a family.
5. Set up a family soda shop. You’ll first have to explain what a soda shop is to your kids. =) Tell your kids they can make a sundae with whatever toppings they want on it. You can also make some classic root beer floats. There’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence once in awhile. Enjoy!
By trying to get in these 5 things before summer ends, you and your family are bound to make more memories. You’ll have had the chance to enjoy some time as a family before the craziness of school begins. You and your kids will be ready to take the school year head on. Make these last few weeks count!
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July 2nd, 2011 admin
Can you believe it is already July? Honestly, where has this year gone? How are you doing on your resolutions and goals for 2011? Instead of looking at it like this year is almost over and I haven’t achieved nearly as much as I would have liked. Let’s look at it as this year is half way over time to step up my game and get it done! There is still plenty of time to get done whatever it is you want/need to get done. So do it!
This weekend most of us will be spending a lot of time with the ones we love. You’ll be at picnics, where you’ll be tempted with all sorts of goodies. Don’t feel guilty if you treat yourself a little. Just remember moderation is key!
You’ll probably be enjoying a couple of parades and fireworks too. Don’t worry too much about getting to the gym. Instead of actually going to the gym, why not work out outside? This weekend is all about having fun, so try something new. Invite your family to join in the fun.
Also, don’t forget to remember what Independence Day is really all about. We are able to celebrate this day because many brave men and women have given up their lives so we could be free. If you see someone in uniform, make sure you thank them!. They have given up so much to fight for our freedom.
Happy 4th of July!
Posted in Community Activities, Events, Fitness, Food, Health, Obesity, Sports | No Comments »
June 24th, 2011 admin
What are you feeding your kids? I’m not only talking about the food you are giving them to eat. But what are you feeding them physically, mentally and emotionally?
We all know it is important to feed our kids healthy food. We even know what we should be serving them, more veggies less sweets. But did you know that only 5% of kids are getting their right amount of vegetables? Do you realize what your kids are eating now is greatly influencing their eating habits for the rest of their lives? Studies have shown that if kids get used to high-fat snacks and sugary drinks the more likely they will continue eating the same way throughout their lifetime. Encourage your kids to eat healthy snacks and drink water, so that down the road they won’t have to try to get over those bad food habits. Childhood is where we need to start the fight against obesity.
What we mentally feed are kids is extremely important as well. Do you encourage your kids to read? Or to explore different interests? Whether its music, sports or art, urge them to try new things. If they are interested in art, sign them up for a class at a local studio. If it’s music they love, send them to music camp. If reading is their things, take them to the library and sign them up for a book club. Whatever it is that they enjoying doing, encourage them to continually grow their minds.
Another essential thing to think about is what are you feeding your kids emotionally? Do you encourage your kids and praise them when they accomplish something? Or do you nit pick and only point out what they could have done better? Do you hug your kids and tell them you love them? You might think “I provide for my kids so certainly they know I love them.” That’s not always the case. Your kids need to hear it. They need to have a relationship with you. They need you to guide them but also be willing to listen to them. Kids are effected by our words more than you realize. So tell your kids you love them and are proud of them each and everyday.
Remember what you feed your kids today physically, mentally and emotionally molds them into the grown ups they will become tomorrow!
Posted in Fitness, Food, Health, meckids, Obesity, Sports, Teachers | No Comments »
April 7th, 2011 admin
Cyber bullies, teen fights, anger, depression, these are just some of the issues students face day to day due to all sorts of pressures at home and at school. How can teens learn to remain calm, control their anger and reduce stress?
YOGA & Pilates! Both of these exercise genres have added benefits in helping students keep calm under pressure. Learning to use controlled breathing exercises can in turn reduce the fight or flight enzyme “cortisol” that is excreted into the blood stream anytime a person faces a fearful or life threatening situation.
In addition to the calming, relaxing, therapeutic benefits of pilates and yoga, students also derive increased strength and cardiovascular health. So how and where can you try either out these program to see if they can work for you? Join MECKids and the YOKid Team for the YOKid Spring Fitness Challenge at Cora Kelly Recreation Center in Alexandria, Virginia. To learn more visit our events page at http://www.meckids.com/pages/community.php
To your health,
Coach Nik
Posted in Community Activities, Events, Fitness, Health, Pilates, Sports, Training, Uncategorized, Yoga | No Comments »
April 5th, 2011 admin
What’s the best way for a kid to stay fit, focused and in balance? Yoga, pilates, conditioning exercises all offer something different that kids of all ages can benefit from and use. By simply using many of the stretches and poses found in a basic yoga session, students can learn to improve their breathing and concentration. Both of which can assist students in managing stress and staying calm in stressful situations.
Pilates offers excellent balance, stretching and strengthening techniques that can assist students who may be prone to injury or participate in sports such as cheerleading, football, basketball and lacrosse.
Although strength conditioning may have many benefits cautioned should be exercised in the amount of weight used, repetitions and frequency of weight training particularly for adolescents. Strength training can be quite useful for student athletes in improving power and performance but should be provided under the supervision of a certified fitness or athletic trainer.
MECKids provides lots of lesson plans and techniques for health, fitness and sports training. If you are not yet a MECKids member contact us today and find how to join, contact@meckids.com or visit our Get Started page at http://www.meckids.com/pages/getstarted.php
See you in the Gym!
Coach Fran
Posted in Community Activities, Crosstraining, Fitness, Health, meckids, Pilates, Sports, Strength Conditioning, Training, Yoga | No Comments »
“Before a meet, I usually just try to surround myself with people who make me laugh, and I just listen to music or hang out with teammates. I swim the best when I’m relaxed and having fun and not really thinking too much about the race. I’ve already done all that in practice!”
“Before I go out on the court, I like to think about this quote that my mom once texted me before a game, because it makes me mentally tough: ‘Pressure can make diamonds, or pressure can burst pipes.’ It reminds me to focus on the positive outcomes, and it motivates me to go out and play my best.”
“Whenever I hit a wall in practice, or a game isn’t going our way, I do two things. First, I make myself smile because forcing that positive energy into your body really works after a while. Next, I start the positive chatter — just dishing out compliments and motivation to myself and to my teammates. I swear, confidence is contagious!”
