Childhood obesity is a complex issue with at least two interrelated causes: hectic schedules and little time for nutritious homemade meals. At the same time, a child's heavy computer and video game use leads to hours of inactivity while her calorie intake and weight gain increase. Breaking this fat cycle requires creative solutions, such as harnessing a child's instinctive affinity for movement.
Dance School Classes
Dance school classes allow a young dancer to express herself while she performs high-energy dance routines. For example, tap dance requires fast-paced precise movements set to up-tempo music. Perfecting a tap dance routine requires consistent practice, which provides vigorous exercise. Hip-hop dance is another kid-friendly dance form that combines explosive movements with funk and rap music. Hip-hop's exaggerated body movements keep a dancer moving while she executes choreographed routines that encourages self-expression.
Fitness Dance Routines
Kids enjoy age-appropriate fitness dance class that combines simple choreographed dance moves with nutrition and exercise games. Hour-long classes are tailored to ages 6 to 11 and 12 to 18, and feature infectious music that appeals to the younger set. Kids can also sway to a Latin beat while getting a solid cardiovascular workout. YMCA facilities throughout the country host Latin-themed dance fitness classes for children 6 to 12. Upbeat instructors combine salsa, reggaeton and other high-energy dances for a first-class workout disguised as fun.
Video Game Dance Moves
A well-known video dance program has been shown to provide measurable physical benefits for teens and young adults. The American Council on Exercise commissioned a 2008 study of the Dance Dance Revolution, or DDR, video dance program. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse conducted the study. Twenty-four volunteers from ages 12 to 25, with half under age 18, participated in the research. Each subject practiced a four-song dance routine for up to six hours, or until he could demonstrate proficiency. Subjects' oxygen uptake and heart rate readings, along with perceived exertion levels, demonstrated exercise intensity increases. For example, DDR's three intensity levels produced respective calorie burns equivalent to treadmill walking, bicycle rides of 12 to 14 mph and high-impact aerobics exercise.
Creative Dance Games
The sky is the limit on creative dance games including virtually any combination of dance moves. For example, Kentucky-based McDowell Wellness Center hosts an overweight children's exercise and nutrition class. This class features a fitness game that uses a throwable six-sided cube. The instructor places activity suggestions on each cube surface, and a child must perform his chosen activity for one minute. Instructors can expand the game's one-minute dance option to feature dance styles on all six cubes.
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