We’ve all heard America keeps getting fatter! Despite the push for better eating and more fitness, this generation of kids is expected to live five years less than their parents.
“I think our kids have lost their way when it comes to fitness. Kids are so sedentary right now. You know, when I was a kid, I was playing outside until the sun went down. I think it’s important to show kids how important it is to be active, and how fun it is. I want to bring the fun back into it for kids,” reveals fitness guru Bob Harper to Healthy Hollywood.
“The Biggest Loser/” trainer served up lots of fun for kids at the U.S. Open. He, along with the United States Tennis Association, put together a youth tennis exhibition to inspire kids to not only pick up the game, but more importantly to get active. The USTA is sponsoring 10 and Under Tennis, an ongoing effort to encourage kids to start playing. There are thousands of events around the country where kids can experience tennis throughout the month of September. Families can log on to YouthTennis.com to find out more.
“I think tennis is a good sport for young kids because it’s very active, it’s a lot of fun, it’s competitive if you want it to be competitive. When I was a kid, I was very competitive, so when they’re ready for that, it brings a different level of fun into the sport,” adds Bob.
Besides the physical benefits, Bob adds that tennis is also a mental game and can improve kids’ thinking skills.
“Mental strength when it comes to being an adult and handling certain situations in a work environment, they’ll be able to translate what they’ve learned from tennis into their adult lives,” he said.
Not to mention, tennis is also a social and getting out and interacting with each other is becoming a lost art.
“Getting out in the parks with kids, playing sports is so social. We live in a day and age now with social networking kids don’t talk to each other. They’re busy texting, Facebooking and Tweeting. You get on the court and can actually start interacting again,” explains Harper.
And, just imagine if you have little Nadal in the making. Not a bad investment!
— Terri MacLeod
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