Kids on the Move enhances child fitness

Photo By Staff Sgt. Stephen Linch | The RAF Lakenheath Health and Wellness Center staff talk with children and volunteers after a Kids on the Move Class on Dec. 13, 2012. KOTM is a free program intended to help children become more active and change their approach to exercise. The program is offered year-round and is open to children ages 4 - 12. Children older than 12 are welcome to participate as volunteers, helpers or team leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo Staff Sgt. Stephen Linch)  

RAF LAKENHEATH, SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

12.21.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Stephen Linch 

48th Fighter Wing

RAF LAKENHEATH, U.K. - The RAF Lakenheath Health and Wellness Center recently designed and implemented a new class to enhance children’s fitness – Kids on the Move.

KOTM is intended to help children ages 4 to 12 become more active and change their approach to exercise.

"We want to encourage our youth to get active and keep fit especially during the wet, dark days of winter,” said Col. Mark Ciero, 48th Fighter Wing vice commander. “This (KOTM) starts them on the right path – pragmatically. It keeps them healthier and develops their confidence.”

Each class consists of a high-intensity-interval-training workout, a game and a cool-down session.

KOTM is a now in its 10th week of class and according to Fathia Clay, a Kids on the Move instructor and HAWC volunteer, some of the kids have made major improvements thanks to the program.

“Some kids couldn’t do a squat or hold a plank for more than 5 seconds,” she said. “Now they can do squats with perfect form and hold planks for 20 seconds.”

The HAWC staff are not the only ones noticing the positive impact the program is having on children.

“Kids on the Move has been invaluable to our family,” said Heather Bradley, who home schools her three children who are participating in KOTM and wife of Tech. Sgt. Jerrick Bradley, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “Because of this class, my kids are able to get exercise on a regular basis. They thoroughly enjoy every minute of it and never complain about going.”

Classes are normally held at the Lakenheath Elementary School Tuesdays from 3 to 3:45 p.m., Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate during Saturday classes.

For more information and for the holiday hours contact the Health and Wellness Center at DSN 226-2710 or Commercial: 01638 522 710 or visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RAFL.HAWC.

• Date Taken: 12.21.2012
• Date Posted: 12.21.2012 07:56
• Story ID: 99637
• Location: RAF LAKENHEATH, SFK, GB