PlanetKid » Fitness

Morning Mile Is Magnificent

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:33 +0000

There’s this really great program spreading through schools across the country, and it’s guaranteed to improve students’ overall fitness, energy levels, moods, and more. It’s called the Morning Mile, and if it’s not up and running at your kids’ schools, you should be the one to get the ball rolling. It’s easy to sign up, and all the materials you’ll need to get started will be sent to you or your school (including necklaces and foot charms for the runners who accomplish a certain number of miles!), and you’ll even have access to a nifty database for tracking the laps your kiddos run (or walk — walking is fine, too). It’s really a great program for all involved, and if you don’t believe me, just read more about the benefits of a little morning exercise!

Feel Sore — or Sorry

Jacki Donaldson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:10 +0000

(Click on image for more information and photo credit.)

The Magnificent Mile

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:00:53 +0000

The Morning Mile is the kind of event that gives you goosebumps, said my friend and fitness maven Fitz Koehler today at a Hidden Oak Elementary School post-run press conference, where she addressed parents, school officials, and partner executives from AvMed, all of whom were gathered to marvel at the success of this school exercise program.

Goosebumps is right. I felt them when student Michael stepped up to the podium to be honored for running a grand total of 100 miles since the program launched at Hidden Oak this past November, and I felt them as I watched hundreds and hundreds of kids, their moms and dads, and the officials and execs, too, log laps on the field behind the school at 7:15 this morning. The day was foggy and gray, but the spirit that filled the outdoor space was not — the energy was electric as camera men snapped away and shouts of excitement were captured for TV. It was inspiring.

Fitzness International’s Morning Mile is a before-school walking/running program offering children the chance to actively start their days while enjoying fitness, fun, and friends. There’s some competition, too, because that just makes life more exciting, and kids earn necklaces, plus a colorful sneaker charm for every five miles completed. It’s a big deal, and it could be exactly the fresh start you need at your school. Think focused energy, positive self esteem, obesity prevention, and in-shape kiddos, and this program should be just a little bit enticing — right?

Time to explore your Morning Mile options. Goosebumps, remember? Goosebumps.

Fo-Fo Figgily Show Full of Healthy Fun, Fitness, Food

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:00:10 +0000

Got 30 minutes for some way fun and definitely health-inspired entertainment? Then grab yourself a dose of The Fo-Fo Figgily Show. I did, and then I gathered three kids of varying ages (3, 7, and 10), and off we all went on a colorful and musical journey. Intended for preschoolers, the episode we watched (Fo-Fo Figgily’s Surprise Birthday Adventure) was perfectly geared for my little niece Tori (3), who was instantly drawn into the show. My son Danny (7) was also pretty mesmerized, and while my 10-year-old Joey would never admit to liking Fo-Fo Figgily, he did watch (full disclosure: he could have been avoiding homework, I’m not sure.) Now, the show is cute, for sure. But what I (the mom figure) liked best was the infusion of healthy messages that came in the form of Figgily Fitness Tips and Health Eating Tips. We got to see kids stretching (up to the sky, down to the toes), and hopping, and practicing their jumping jacks. And we learned that pie is a “sometimes” food, but that nectarines and carrots are for every day. Tori even pronounced mid-show, “I love carrots!” I think she loved the whole show, actually, and that’s why I’m sending the DVD home with her, so she can watch it again and again. You might like it, too — give it a try. Then, leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Be Active: Monday Mention

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:00:29 +0000

Photo: wiennat, Flickr

If you know you need a little more fitness in your life, you’d be wise to check out Active.com. This super resource offers all sorts of wellness info. — maybe you’re a coach who needs some know-how on staying in shape during the off-season, perhaps you need a fitness calculator, or how about training for a tri? It’s all there, plus the feature I like best — a listing of all races in my area. I’m shooting for one on April 2, if my injured foot cooperates. I guess I need to brush up on my injury prevention smarts!

Build Fit Kids: Monday Mention

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:00:20 +0000

If you’re a fan of fitness, chances are your kids will be, too. Now, I don’t mean you need to be a stellar athlete or anything — according to Health Psychology journal, parents would be wise to just should show enthusiasm for physical fitness by walking or running in local road races (register your kids if you can — many races have kid versions!) and taking the kiddos to local sporting events. You could also watch sports movies, like we do in our house, and challenge your young ones to master feats now and then. For example, I’ve been timing my 8-year-old son a few times a week in the mile run — he’s been running a consistent 8-minute, 39-second mile, and he’s way proud — and I make sure I run it with him. We’re in it together — I just don’t do as well as he does, I’m a 10-minute mile girl. I think that’s part of the appeal for him — beating his mom. Works for me if it keeps him active.

Are you role modeling fitness in your house? Tell us what you’re doing.

Photo: Matt McGee, Flickr

Happy National Start! Walking Day

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:59:36 +0000

Time to lace up those sneakers and head out on a walk, because today, my friends, is National Start! Walking Day. That means that if you don’t already have yourself a walking routine, you get to embark on one today. Do it for your heart, for your fitness, for family time. Just put one foot in front of the other in a purposeful and somewhat strenuous manner (which means hoofing it from the couch to the fridge and back does not count), and then do it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and so on. You know the drill.

Read on about this special day over here at That’s Fit.

Now leave us a comment and tell us how you plan to incorporate walking into your world.

Photo by: Renneville on flickr