The sight of children indulging in fast food and sipping aerated sugary drinks is very common. You will also agree that kids these days are spending far more time with their gaming consoles and lesser time outdoors. When you combine these two factors you have an unhealthy kid with problems related to obesity and/or weakness. This is when Mitchelle D’souza, Business Development Manger and Certified Trainer steps in and takes command of the situation. She talks about V’s Fitness Fit Kidz Bootcamp for kids aged 3yrs and above. She shares the secrets and benefits of the bootcamp she has planned for children. Let’s take a look…

What inspired you to start bootcamp for kids?

Mitchelle D’souza: “Bootcamp is one of the most effective ways of addressing all elements of fitness. Just like adults, kids need to be exposed to the correct forms of exercise. Today due to various reasons such as fast food, electronic gizmos and lack of activity, kids are not getting an opportunity to expend their energy. In answer to this situation, V's Fitness has formatted a fitness regime that is developed specially for children; this is safe, easy to follow, disciplined and structured. The workout is carried out under supervision.”

What is the principle behind children's bootcamp?

Mitchelle D’souza: “Bootcamp addresses all the 10 elements of fitness such as agility, flexibility, co-ordination, stamina, muscle strength, muscle endurance to name a few. For kids, Bootcamp is made fun, they do not even realise they are exercising. More so these workouts are implemented and monitored by trained staff. The principle behind Boot Camp is the fact that children learn to incorporate exercise as part of their lifestyle.”

What kind of equipment do these bootcamp classes use?

Mitchelle D’souza: “V's Fitness has specially designed equipment that caters to kids. We use anything and everything from steps to bands. Obstacles are also created to make the workouts fun and different. Balance beams, monkey bars and other such military style equipment is also used at the classes. Our website www.vsfitness.com would give you a much detailed idea of the kind of workouts we implement.”

Where are these sessions held?

Mitchelle D’souza: “Currently these workouts are being done as a fitness curriculum in several schools as well as a private class at St. Teresa's CHS, S.V Rd, Santacruz (west).  We also conduct personal training sessions for kids. Parents could contact us on 9833368742 to check on current as well as upcoming venues.”

What do you include in a Bootcamp?

Mitchelle D’souza: “We work on a set curriculum and each session is planned well in advance. The routine includes hand eye co-ordination, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, calisthenics, speed, team work, strength and stamina etc.”

Do you also advise on diet, along with exercise for these kids?

Mitchelle D’souza: “Parents are given guidelines regarding healthy eating habits for kids. Nutritional tips are also dished out. The kids are spoken to directly about what not to eat in a very subtle way. We are determined to get kids to incorporate a healthy pattern of eating into their life style.”

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