Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years, according to the Center for Disease Control. In 2008, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese and that number is on the rise.
In an effort to get kids active, Bike Dojo is offering Mountain Bike Kids Camps this summer. Here’s a new fun way to get kids moving!
— By Karen Kefauver
For five days, kids ages 7 to 14 can learn basic mountain bike skills in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. There are kids participating from beginner to advanced (and the camp is not designed for overweight/obese children, tho all fitness levels are welcome). There is one instructor per every five kids everyone will have an opportunity to receive individual attention. Bike Dojo has extra bikes and helmets if for kids without them. Camp sessions are offered in June, July and August.
“We want kids to be active and to be having so much fun they don’t realize they are also burning calories and getting fit,” says Bike Dojo owner Rob Mylls. “We realize there are a lot of factors that cause childhood obesity, and not one thing is going to cure it, however we do know that exercise is a key factor.”
Childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being according to the Center for Disease Control and Bike Dojo wants to aid children getting healthy.
Bike Dojo believes that prevention is one key to ending childhood obesity and getting kids into physical activity is a starting point.
According to the Shimano Research Group, mountain biking isn’t only an adventure: It can also help you stay fit. Depending on the speed of your rides and the terrain you’re covering, you can burn 600 to 1,000 calories per hour. Over time, biking can increase muscle strength, improve cardiovascular health and help you build endurance that will carry over to other parts of your life.
Space is limited. To sign up visit www.thebikedojo.com or call 831-713-5475.
