2010 FITNESS GOALS...
We all need to make fitness and health a priority! What motivates me is knowing that I need to set this example and model it for my kids. We are fortunate in Santa Barbara to have so many great fitness programs. The key is finding the perfect fit that will keep you motivated. If joining an existing program does not fit your schedule or budget right now, consider walking a few days a week with a friend or ask your child to bike next to you while you go for a run. I have talked to several moms lately that have told me their motivation is downloading podcasts and books on tape so that they have something to listen to while they run or walk.

I am turning 40 (yikes!) in July so my goal this year is "fit before 40." I feel like I run a marathon every day keeping up with my family's schedule and work, yet it is never reflected on the scale. I make it a priority to get my daughters to all of their sports and watch them swim laps for 2 hours for water polo and yet I cannot consistently get myself to a gym. My resolution this year is to make myself a priority. To do this, I have started getting up at 5:45am to go to pilates or spinning. It is not fun but I do feel a great sense of accomplishment when I am done. I like exercising but I hate routine so I easily get bored with most exercise regimes. Join me this year in focusing on feeling and looking your best. Check out the many programs available... there is something for everyone >>

How are your family's eating habits? This is a good time to get back on track with healthy eating and cooking dinners and sitting down as a family each night. Click here for a PRINTABLE SNACK LIST to give you and your children fun and fresh ideas.

The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation can receive $1 million if they get enough votes on Facebook. Learn more >>

It is no surprise that our community is quick to respond to support victims of the earthquake in Haiti.  A few examples of support relief efforts include:

• Two local dads Steve Schapansky and Dr. Glenn Miller flew in one of the first planes to arrive in Jacmel.  They are working through Hands and Feet Project, a humanitarian program centered around a Hatian orphanage and delivered supplies such as soap, bandages, sterile water, baby formula, and dried noodles.
  
• Hollister School first-grader, Maya Lewandowski (age 6), is doing her part to help raise funds for the victims of the Haitian earthquake. She's offering "limited edition prints" of four original pieces of art for donations. "Any amount of money," the six-year old answers, when asked what the pieces sell for.  Lewandowski has sold pieces for as little as two dollars and as much as $100 a print. She hopes to raise over $1,000 to hand-deliver to Direct Relief International in Goleta at the end of the month. Email for more information.
  
• Many local schools are already holding coin drives and fundraisers for Haiti relief efforts.  The most unique fundraiser we heard about involved employees being allowed to wear jeans to work this week with a $20 donation. 
• Direct Relief International's response:  $2 million in aid being airlifted via FedEx this week, in addition to the two shipping containers of medical material aid previously sent to Port-au-Prince.  A 9 year-old in Santa Barbara whose birthday was Sunday brought all his b-day money ($112) to the Direct Relief office for Haiti.
  

  

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything >>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

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by Doug Holt of Conditioning Specialists

I remember Mr. Horton, my middle school PE Teacher, frequently telling me to hurry up and get dressed - the standard issue grey shirt and blue short shorts. It was PE, or Physical Education class, my favorite class of the day.

I always looked forward to PE, as it was a way to expend all the pent up energy I had from sitting in a classroom during the day, but PE the way I remember it doesn't exist in most schools in town.

Recent budget cuts have forced many schools to cut programs such as art, physical education, and extracurricular activities. Structured physical education is a thing of the past and childhood obesity is rising at alarming rates. Teachers are now being expected to take on a role that they haven't been properly trained to do.

I recently visited an elementary school during their recess to find most of the children playing video games and sitting down - just as they do all day in class. What's a parent to do?

Over the past few years, there has been a shift in youth fitness. Many local schools are offering alternatives to physical education classes called Independent PE. Although this isn't all that new, many parents aren't aware of this alternative. Students are allowed to work with a fitness professional, a coach, or take a class provided the hours are signed off by the instructor.

Look for an instructor specifically trained to work with youth and/or youth athletes.

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), located in Santa Barbara, offers a certification as a Specialist in Youth Fitness. Finding an expert with this certification is a good start when you start looking for instructors and classes for your child. Here are several popular options:
• Sports Specific Training with a Coach
• Personal Training with a Qualified Fitness Professional
• Group Exercise Tailored to Youth
• Swimming Classes

Specific requirements can be found with your child's school. Here, you'll find the Santa Barbara School District's requirements for kindergarten through high school. >>

Youth athletes are training younger and more specialized than ever before. It's not uncommon to find a young athlete focusing his or her attention on just one sport, rather than seasonal athletics. These children are also often working with a coach and fitness professional to help increase their chances at a competitive advantage and reduce the risk of injury.

It's important to follow a periodized training regimen to ensure that your child does not get injured and follows a holistic wellness plan. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) who has experience working with young athletes is the gold standard for athletic training.

Regardless of the path taken, it's clear that something drastic must be done to ensure that our children are healthy and fit. This can start with us leading by example.