Merritt Clubs Blog

   

Kids Fitness: Regular Exercise for Youths May Lower Risk of Old Age Fractures

Posted by RaySa

Jun 12, 2013

A recent study found that kids fitness programs may reduce their risk for suffering fractures when they reach old age. It’s another powerful argument for regular physical exercise for youths.

Researchers from the American Orthopaedic Society found that boys and girls who got 40 minutes a day of physical education at school increased their spine bone mineral density and had almost 50% fewer fractures compared to kids who spent only 60 minutes a week in gym class. An accompanying study of men with an average age of 69 found that former athletes lost only minimal bone mass compared to their more sedentary peers.

It’s long been known that the years before we reach 20 are critical for bone development. The National Institutes of Health estimates that girls acquire 90 percent of their peak bone mass by the age of 18 and boys by 20.

Any weight-bearing exercise will help build bone density. If your kids participate in organized sports like soccer or basketball, they’re getting off to a good start. There are also plenty of individual activities that some children may prefer like dancing or skiing or just taking long walks. In addition to regular exercise, there are a few more ways you can help your kids build up more bone mass to see them through their later years. Give them several servings a day of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Good choices are dairy products, tofu and vitamin-enriched breakfast cereals. Keep in mind that tobacco weakens bones along with all its other dangers. Limiting soft drinks is also a good idea.

Merritt Athletic Clubs is the most complete fitness organization in Maryland and a leader in kids fitness programs like our popular Zumba Kids classes and a Junior Fitness Certification for children between the ages of 12-15. Contact us to learn more or join online.

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Topics: kids obesity, exercise programs, baltimore summer camps, Fitness Tips, half day camps, day camps, summer programs for kids, kids fitness, summer camps

Health Clubs Baltimore

Posted by RaySa

Jul 22, 2011

Come check out all the exciting things we have going on this summer here at Merritt Athletic Clubs at Cranbrook! We have summer dance camps that will be starting up; we have numerous programs that will be running such as our new biggest loser event called "The 6 Weeks Summer Slim Down", and our new group fitness schedule that we will be kicking off in July. We will be offering a Zumba party at the end of the month of July so if you enjoy dancing this is something you definitely do not want to miss out on. Also we are always looking for new ideas to do at the club so if you have something in mind please let us know, and we will do everything we can to make it happen! When you are in please introduce yourself to our staff here at Merritt so we can get to know you much better. We have Kai Kroeller who is the club manager, John Alban who is the assistant club manager, Vernell Silas and Chris Gajewski in the sales department, and Robin Coady on the front desk. Please give a huge Merritt welcome also to Briauna Snowden who will be starting in July as our new club advisor. Thank you and we hope to be seeing you around the club all summer long!

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Topics: Merritt Athletics, gym health clubs, Fitness class, exercise programs, health fitness centers, fitness and health clubs, kids fitness Baltimore, exercise and diet, Fitness workout, Baltimore fitness, gym, exercise Baltimore