I’m currently doing a fitness program with the students at Cornish Elementary; it’s been quite an enjoyable experience. They’re eager to learn and excited to move their bodies. I lead a group fitness class, they workout on the Twisted Kidz equipment, they play Wally ball and talk about being healthy. The children range from first to eighth grade.
On the first week I gave them a questionnaire on health and fitness. I’d like to share the questions and some of their answers, they’re impressive! You might ask yourself, as a full grown person, some of these same questions. Many of their answers surprised me, I love their outlooks. How do you view healthy? Maybe the kids’ answers will encourage and motivate you in becoming more fit.
Here are the questions and a few of their answers:
1. What does being healthy mean to you?
• It means eating the right food. That doesn’t mean you can’t have sweets, it means you have some and burn it off after.
• It means your heart is strong and you get some exercise every day.
• It means to eat and drink less sugar.
• Staying in shape and eating healthy.
• It means eating good food and knowing when to say no more food.
• It means eating in moderation. You want your share of dairy, grains and not too many sweets.
• It means not being sick.
• It means living a balanced life. Eating when you’re hungry, exercising, having breakfast, and sleeping for at least eight hours a night.
They certainly already have an understanding of what healthy means! Sounds like they’ve had some good role models!
2. What type of physical activity do you enjoy?
Walking, swimming, running, basketball, playing outside instead of watching TV,
softball, soccer, running with my Dad, riding my bike, gymnastics, sit-ups, lifting
weights, skiing, rock climbing, hiking, stretching, jump roping, riding horses, and
taking walks in the woods.
Many of these are activities adults can still participate in!
3. How much sleep do you get each night?
A lot, some said! Most answered between eight and twelve hours a night.
Many adults don’t get the required amount of sleep they need each night. This leaves them feeling foggy and less productive.
4. What are the best things about you?
• I’m nice and funny.
• I like having fun; I’m friendly, nice, and very polite. I love my family.
• My strength and confidence.
• Sense of humor.
• I’m very different from everybody else.
• My friend says I’m smart and honest.
• I’m funny and responsible.
It’s important we remind ourselves regularly what we like about ourselves and capitalize on it!
5. What are your favorite healthy foods?
• Pretty much all fruits.
• I love carrots, broccoli, lettuce, and a lot of other healthy foods.
• Carrots and chicken.
• Pineapple and spaghetti squash.
• Apples, honeydew melon, and grapes.
The kids understand that fruits and veggies are good for them. Almost all of them had at least one of each in their answer. Are they part of your eating every day? You can really fill up on healthy food and never be hungry again! Healthy foods are not hard to identify!
6. What do you want to know about health and fitness?
• Everything there is to learn!
• I want to learn as much as I can about it. I want you to teach me what you know.
• How do I do it at home?
• I want to learn how to get stronger.
• How to get muscles.
• They say twenty minutes a day. Is it bad for you to get more?
What great enthusiasm they have wanting their bodies to be healthy. As we age, our enthusiasm should be greater. Is it? It’s all about the want!
It’s been a pleasure working out with this group of kids, and chaperones too! They have reaffirmed my love for fitness and have reminded me why it is I do what I do! Thank you Cornish Kids!
