the same time, they discover—much to their delight—how doable and how much fun healthy living can be.” The results are impressive. Scien- tists who studied overweight children in the program found that, in just two weeks, the kids lost an average of nearly 10 pounds, decreased LDL by 25%, lowered triglycerides by 39%, and reduced inflammation markers by 41%.
Courtney reimagined
Miami is also the home of Kids and Fitness, the facility that Courtney Potter turned to for assistance. The defining objective and unique value proposition of this business, founded six years ago by Teri Sibai, is to put children on track to lead healthy, active lives. Sibai, the mother of three and a certified youth-fitness trainer, was inspired to open the center by the growing number of overweight children she saw and the lack of comprehensive fitness pro- grams in local elementary and junior high schools.
Helping overweight kids change is
a challenge, she concedes. “They come in with such low self-esteem and tend to hide themselves. We work hard to make the studio a haven for them, and to achieve an emotional and physical connection with them.” Each of her young clients is given a customized exercise routine, which makes use of resistance tubing,
United States Tennis Association’s ‘10 and Under Tennis’ program engages young players
pants record their progress in activity and nutrition logs.
According to Sibai, 95% of her charges achieve their goals. Potter was tempted to give Kids and Fitness a try. “I finally thought, ‘Why not make the effort?’” she says. Initially, she was so embarrassed she wouldn’t even walk across the basketball court for Sibai. Put on a schedule of three cardio and strength workouts per week, Potter attended the studio regularly, and battled her inclination to skip meals and eat junk food. Now, she’s trying to eat
“WE ASKED LOCAL PEDIATRICIANS WHAT THEY’D LIKE TO SEE, AND THEY’RE INCREDIBLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS PROGRAM, BECAUSE THEY NEED A PLACE TO REFER KIDS.”
cardiovascular equipment, and hydraulic strength machines, and a nutrition plan based on food choices and portion control. The program targets three-month goals that address weight, BMI, percentage of body fat, and eating habits. Partici-
regular, balanced meals including protein, fruits, and vegetables. In the year since she joined the studio, Potter, who is now 16, has lost more than 50 pounds, and is currently working to become a certi- fied youth-fitness instructor.
Early morning workout
“It was hard, but really worth it,” she testifies. “Today, I can do many things I couldn’t before, and my family is so excited for me. Fitness has become a big part of my life. If it weren’t for Teri and Kids and Fitness, I might well be lying in a hospital right now.”
“Working with kids is extremely rewarding,” says Sibai, who recently opened a second studio in Miami. “We provide them with a lot of posi- tive reinforcement, and, when they start to believe in themselves, they can really progress.
“If I can help just one kid,” she concludes, “I feel great!” —|
– Julie King,
julie.king1@
comcast.net
ihrsa.org |
DECEMBER 2011 |
Club Business Internat ional 53
Don Starr, Ryanhard Cate
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