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JrFit
– Foreword to the Book
Due to
the more sedentary lifestyles and less active recreational pursuits of
today’s technological society, our youth are experiencing
undesirable health and fitness consequences similar to those affecting
adults. These preventable problems range from musculoskeletal weakness
to type 2 diabetes, as well as a shorter life expectancy than their
parents. Although some schools provide excellent physical education
programs and some children participate in youth sports activities, the
majority of young people perform surprising little exercise. A 2008
study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that
only two of five children under 12 years of age attained an hour of
moderate daily activity, and less than eight percent of youth aged 12
to 19 years managed to do so.
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Solutions
to the pervasive problem of youth inactivity and the growing epidemic
of childhood obesity include education, motivation and easy access to
physical activities. In this program, JrFit™, compelling reasons
and comprehensive information are presented for reversing this
unfavorable situation. JrFit™ offers a highly effective plan for
enabling young people to increase their fitness and reduce their body
fat through well-researched programs of physical conditioning. These
practical recommendations include guidelines for sensible strength
training and healthy eating.
JrFit™ wisely emphasizes the development of a strong and
functional musculoskeletal system, with special attention to proper
training technique and injury prevention. The physical activity
protocols feature exercises for all of the major muscles, leading to
enhanced movement performance and fitness, including muscular strength,
joint flexibility, body coordination, cardiovascular endurance,
balance, and power.
Equally
essential, this program provides the educational and motivational tools
for training youth in an age-appropriate and supportive exercise
environment. Whether the objective is more physical fitness, greater
sports skill, enhanced exercise enjoyment, or better body composition,
the information presented will enable you to design safe, productive
and time-efficient youth activities. As you read through the excellent
training recommendations, you may wish to try some of the suggested
exercises and fitness protocols with your adult clients as well. Let me
assure you that they will find these practical activity protocols and
sound nutrition programs equally effective and reinforcing.
From a learning perspective, the workbook format, presenting basic and
brief summaries of the textbook chapters followed by self quizzes, is
perfect for focusing attention on the key points and practical
applications of youth fitness and nutrition. The information is
presented in a most clear, concise and relevant manner. I am confident
that, like me, you will find JrFit™ an excellent resource for
training children of all ages and fitness levels.
Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., CSCS
Fitness Research Director, South Shore YMCA
Adjunct Professor of Exercise Science, Quincy College
Author, 22 fitness books
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