Fitness first

Two brothers work to get kids exercising and eating better.

By MIKE CAMUNAS, Times Staff Writer
Published February 8, 2008

ADVERTISEMENT [Mike Camunas | Times] John Micklow of Southern Elite Sports directs kids running relays at La Petite Academy in New Port Richey.

NEW PORT RICHEY

It's an arduous task, but Paul Micklow has no problem taking it on.

Micklow wants to catch kids at an early age, especially the ones not exercising or eating healthy. And as a trainer at Southern Elite Sports, a Tarpon Springs organization that provides dance, cheerleading, karate and fitness for youths, he and his brother, John Micklow, head out to La Petite Academy in New Port Richey with a program called Kidz Fitness.

Geared toward kids 3 and up, it helps inform them about better choices in what to eat as well beneficial exercises.

"Seventy percent of your fitness goals should be diet," Paul said. "We teach a lot about the food pyramid here and how to make better choices of what to eat, especially calorie wise."

The Micklows, natives of New Port Richey, claim they weren't the best athletes growing up nor did they always eat healthy.

Both started working out seriously in high school, but when Paul was 18, he decided to become a personal trainer, and then teaching kids seemed like a logical plan.

"Nutrition is a big thing," John said. "It is cool to help these kids out, not to say there's something serious wrong with them, but you want them to eat healthy - you want any kid to eat healthy and exercise, so it's enjoyable to teach them that."

As for exercise, Kidz Fitness works on stretching and teamwork, but will also incorporate plenty of cardio work, such as jumping jacks and running relays with balls.

Paul adds that obesity statistics keep rising among children, despite plenty of programs and recreation sports available.

"All around us we can see heavier children," Paul said. "I think it's up to two out five kids are obese. I was always a little guy that never went to the gym or ate right, but the aspect of nutrition has interested me and I want even younger kids to understand it."

For now, Paul and John are just going to La Petite. In the near future, however, they hope to expand to other day cares. Those day cares that participate will pay Southern Elite Sports its general fee and then the day cares work out rates on their own.

But the kids find it fun, and despite having to learn about nutrition, most are so young, they don't notice the work because they're having too much fun.

"When we all get to do stuff, it's fun for all of us," said William Wierman, 5. "I like to exercise with everyone because it makes me happy."

William's peer, Ariya Valentine, 4, agrees, saying she just enjoys being able to play.

"I like running and kicking the ball," Ariya said. "Exercising is fun, too, because it means I get to do something with other people."

Paul knows how difficult it can be for kids to eat right. They like cakes, snacks, candies, all which are just loaded with sugar. But he does know of one thing that would help.

"It's tough teaching these kids to eat healthy," Paul said. "We're saying eat vegetables instead of candy, you know? But it's not just that - it's also the parents. You've got to teach them so it gets better for the kids."

Send your feedback and story ideas to Mike Camunas at mcamunas@sptimes.com or call 352 544-9480.

IF YOU GO: 

Kidz Fitness

Mission: Professionally taught classes will include curriculum of physical techniques complimented by lessons taught in nutrition, exercise and fitness.

When: Fridays at 5 p.m.

Where: La Petite Academy, 6829 SR 54, New Port Richey

[Last modified February 7, 2008, 21:35:46]