News 2014

For the third year in a row, Fit Kids® provided FREE Kids Fun Zone before/during and after the Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Fun Run held Saturday, October 25 2014 at Camp Miles in Arlington VA.

More than 3,000 children ages 5-12 participated in the one-mile just-for-fun event. Children along with their parents and siblings also enjoyed the free all-day activity area featuring interactive challenges and games focusing on health and fitness.

Fit Kids® had a blast!

Fit Kids® had a great time at Freedom Plaza in Washington DC supporting Children’s National Hospital for the 2nd Annual Race for Every Child on Saturday, September 13, 2014. There were more than 4.600 runners and walkers for the 5k, 500 children who participated in the Kid’s Dash, and more than $1,060,000 was raised for Children’s National Health System.

Fit Kids® once again provided our Fun Zones which included Hula Hoopla, Wacky Relays, Obstacle courses, Football Madness, Baseball All Stars, Frisbee Golf, Mini Golf Targets, My Plate activities and More!

Fit Kids® was lucky enough to be asked to lead the on-stage warm ups this year prior to the race. We had Ms. Michelle Cabral spice up the warmup- Zumba style. She got the crowd warmed up and ready to go!

Fit Kids® would like to thank all of our Fit Kids® staff and volunteers! They truly made the difference and the event wouldn’t have been the same without them! We would also like to Thank our Fit Kids® Race Team – we had 15 Team Members!

The Finish Line is just the beginning and Children’s National encourages everyone to continue to support our children. November 1, 2014 is the deadline to fund-raise for the Race, so keep it up!

Fit Kids™ was the 2013 Winner of the Most Awesome Kids Sports Classes in the Washington D.C. area!

Soulja Boy and FitKids® teamed up this past Memorial Day weekend with the Wataah! Foundation to fight childhood obesity In America. Over 250,000 kids from more than 600 schools around the country joined together in support of the 4th annual “Move Your Body” initiative.

The Wataah! Foundation and FitKids® kicked off Memorial Day weekend with the 4th annual, “Move Your Body”, a nationwide kids exercise event in support of first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative May 21st with a major Washington, D.C. school event hosted by standout Nickelodeon star Drake Bell. The event featured performances by Disney sensations McClain, pop star Soulja Boy, we are toonz creators of the dance craze “The Nae Nae”, and special tribute to our armed forces.

View complete article on TheSource.

Linda Poor, instructor with Fit Kids®, recently had an article published in Northern Virginia magazine by By Janeé Williams on how to get your kids running. The article is shown below:

“Get your kids off the couch and on the track. The summer is fast approaching and you don’t want your kids stuck in the house. Get them outside and exercising in no time. One great way to get your kids up is by running. Linda Poor is the curriculum adviser for FitKids, and she is here to provide us with some helpful tips to get your kids prepared and ready for running.

What are the Benefits of running for children and how often should they run?

“In general, exercise can help to increase physical fitness, overall health and confidence along with improving memory skills. Running in particular helps to improve how efficiently your heart and lungs can supply oxygen to your body so that your muscles can produce energy.  Running is also considered a weight bearing exercise, so it helps to keep bones strong. I would say it depends on how often a child should run. It all depends on the child and whether or not they have health issues.”

How can your child properly prepare to start running?

“Do you remember learning to run as a child or did your parents just say, go out and play?  Most healthy children should be able to run properly without any type of ‘coaching’ by the time they are 3 or 4 years old.  If a child’s running style seems overtly different from other children their age, you can check with your pediatrician.  If your child shows an interest in more organized running, Kindergarten age is probably an appropriate time to try out a children’s fun run”.

How can you make running easier for children?

“Simple, have fun. Kids will inherently go towards an activity that they view as fun.  It will be different for every child.  Maybe your kid likes to play tag or chase after the dog.  Other children will enjoy running while playing soccer or basketball.  If kids are tired or hot, they should be encouraged to take a break and drink water.  Running should be fun for kids and not be seen as a chore or punishment.”

What are some helpful running tips? 

“Children should try out different types of running.  They should run easy, medium and hard, as well as, short, medium and long distances.  For most children, proper technique can be as simple as having an easy, relaxed body while running.  Additionally, arms should not swing frantically, but in a piston like motion from the hip to the armpit area, no twisting of the body and the head should be held mostly still.”

What is proper running gear for the child?

“In general, proper running gear should be comfortable to the child.  It should be appropriate for the weather so that the child does not become overheated or too cold.  Layers are generally a good idea, as well as breathable fabrics.  Shoes should be properly fit to the child’s size and be pain free. Water and proper nutrition are key for any child, but especially for girls entering puberty. Other precautions should also be taken during the warmer months such as sunglasses, hats and sunscreen.””

Dr. Regina M. Benjamin, US Surgeon General, discusses the new food plate at the 9/10/2011 “Let’s Move!” event at RFK Stadium.

This event was part of the Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy & Fit Nation.

See more photos on our News page.