Fitness Studio Targets Kids-H2K in the News

H2K recently had a wonderful and very informative article about the studio in the Sunday Edition of the MetroWest Daily Newspaper.  The article primarily focused on the reason that drove Julia Walderzak, owner and creator of H2K, to open the fitness studio, as being the growing childhood obesity rate.  The importance of kids getting more active and instilling healthy habits young is stressed.  Also discussed is the idea of parents taking advantage of H2K’s adult classes to help set a good example for their children.

Julia said, “I think the way the world has changed, kids are playing video games and not exercising and kids are supposed to get 60 minutes of exercise a day and that isn’t happening.”  It is definitely a growing trend that kids are spending more time in front of their screens (iPads, TVs, iPhones, etc.) than years ago.  As a result, a lot of kids are not getting the same amount of physical activity anymore.

A startling fact comes from the Massachusetts Public Health Association, stating that 25-30 percent of children ages 10-17 are overweight or obese.  This can cause future health problems, as Susan Roberts, professor of nutrition at Tufts University said, “Obese children are more likely to become obese adults, and then they have all the chronic health issues that go along with obesity, (which includes) diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.”  Roberts added that we are now seeing type 2 diabetes in children, which is quite shocking.

Julia Walderzak wanted H2K to appeal to adults as well because the blame cannot be solely placed on the kids.  Julia hopes parents will set a good example for their kids by taking classes at H2K as well.  Diane Grandinetti of Hudson, signed her 9 and 11 year old granddaughters up for Zumba at H2K, saying that “I think setting a good example on exercise and eating right early on is very important.”

Mary Ann Johansen of Sudbury signed her 12 year old daughter Sammy up for yoga because she does not view herself as athletic and does not like sports.  Mary Ann said “since she’s started doing her yoga, her core has strengthened and she’s standing taller.  Learning yoga early in life has such tremendous advantages.”

A lack of physical activity is not the only contributor to childhood obesity.  Unhealthy eating habits are a major problem.  Roberts explains nutritional issues come from “the toxic food environment: schools that don’t do enough to support healthy eating, and parents who don’t control the home food supply enough.”  This is why Julia offers nutritional counseling at H2K.  She provides family and individual counseling, stating “it’s important for us that kids who struggle with their weight feel comfortable with us to figure out what is the root of why they’re struggling.”  In addition to nutritional counseling, H2K offers healthy birthday parties, which include an exercise class, a healthy pizza, and a frozen yogurt cake.

Childhood obesity will not be solved on its own.  It is important kids and families begin taking the necessary steps to living healthier lifestyles and H2K is here to help you and your family!