Childhood obesity as a rising epidemic in America cannot be ignored. According to the CDC, the current rate of childhood obesity in children age 2-19 is 18.5%. ONE IN FIVE.
Worse, childhood obesity has far-reaching effects, lasting long into adulthood. Children classified as obese in childhood are five times more likely to be obese as adults than children who were not obese. These children are also at far more risk for certain diseases in adulthood, including Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer.
So what can you as a parent do to prevent or reverse childhood obesity?
Swimming is a powerful way to start.
1. The low impact, high resistance nature of this full body workout makes it ideal for children who struggle with obesity.
Plus, water buoyancy allows previously restricted individuals to move freely and helps build muscle in low muscle tone individuals.
2. Physiologically, swimming also does the following:
- Improves flexibility within the joints and muscles.
- Strengthens the cardiovascular system.
- Strengthens the major muscle groups in the upper and lower body.
3. Finally, because the heart works harder when the body is submerged, swimmers benefit from decreased swelling, reduced blood pressure and improved joint position, in turn creating better body awareness and ease of movement.
Don’t be a statistic. Register now for our premium swim lessons (also available for adults) and create a pattern of healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.