How Physical Activity Helps Foster Healthy, Smart Children

(September 2012) – Parents looking to help young children achieve their best later in life may find that physical activity programs, such as at The Little Gym of Shaker Heights, will do more than just teach children how to tumble. New research suggests that creative physical activity may be the key to fostering confident, successful kids.

At The Little Gym, we take a whole child approach that uses physical activity as a conduit for Three-Dimensional Learning, a philosophy that helps children develop new skills in a non-competitive setting. We build confidence in children by helping them develop skills that will benefit them at home, in the classroom and throughout life.

The first tenet of Three-Dimensional Learning is “Get Moving.” This helps build flexibility and strength, and lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy activity. Studies have shown that young children who acquire “fundamental movement skills” such as running and hopping, catching and throwing, and balancing and twisting are more likely to get and stay physically active. It should come as no surprise that active children are more likely to become active adults!

Our second tenet, “Brain Boost,” fosters listening skills, sustained concentration, and decision-making. A study published in Preventive Medicine in 2011 demonstrated that physical activity helps boost children’s mental functioning. Young children’s brains undergo tremendous growth and change, and participation in structured and repetitive physical activities help foster this intellectual growth.

Rounding out Three-Dimensional Learning is an element we call “Citizen Kid.” These activities focus on helping children develop skills like cooperation, listening, sharing and taking turns. Groundbreaking studies conducted by Columbia University have tracked the leadership success of children who developed the ability to take turns and wait for a reward. These children grew into adolescents who were better able to handle frustration and stress, pay attention and make plans, and generally perform better in both school and social situations.

After 8 years of working with children at The Little Gym of Shaker Heights, we can say with confidence that children who keep active, build their concentration skills, and learn to positively engage with others are certain to be champions in life.