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How Physical Development Activities at The Little Gym Help Foster Healthy, Smart Children

By: The Little Gym |  11 Shares     161 Reads

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - (Marketwire - Sep 26, 2012) - New research suggests that creative physical activity may be the key to fostering confident, successful kids. A new white paper published by The Little Gym, the world's premier experiential learning and physical development center for kids, shows that what once were thought of as fitness skills can now directly support and translate into classroom and work skills.

"Raising Future Well-Adjusted Adults" is prepared from research compiled by Dr. Cheryl K. Olsen, a former Harvard Medical School faculty member who specializes in child development and health behaviors. The research findings support The Little Gym's holistic child development model that uses physical activity as a conduit for "Three-Dimensional Learning." The Little Gym's whole child approach is based on three core tenets: "Get Moving" to foster flexibility, strength, balance and coordination; "Brain Boost" to foster listening skills, concentration and decision making; and "Citizen Kid" to foster sharing, teamwork, cooperation and leadership abilities.

Some of the research findings reviewed by Olsen include:

• Children make judgments about their motor skill abilities at an early age, which may affect their willingness to take on new physical challenges as they get older.
• Structured and repetitive physical activities can improve a child's processing speed, working memory, self-control and strategic decision-making ability.
• Early participation in structured group activities that allow children to cultivate skills such as initiative, teamwork, and emotional regulation, can help children more effectively take on leadership roles in childhood and later life.

"Our three-dimensional learning philosophy is based on more than 35 years of hands-on experience working with children across the globe," said Bob Bingham, President and CEO, The Little Gym International. "What the research confirms is that a well-rounded child should have lessons that incorporate each of the three tenets for their physical, intellectual and social growth. At The Little Gym, we call our program 'Serious Fun' because we challenge children to strive for success in a positive and nurturing environment -- parents see the real skills that their children learn, but the kids just see it as fun!"

The Little Gym white paper, "Raising Future Well-Adjusted Adults" can be downloaded at www.TheLittleGym.com/WhitePapers. To find the nearest The Little Gym location, please visit www.TheLittleGym.com.

About The Little Gym

The Little Gym is an internationally recognized program that helps children build the developmental skills and confidence needed at each stage of childhood. The very first location was established in 1976 by Robin Wes, an innovative educator and kinesiologist with a genuine love for both children and music. The Little Gym International, Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., was formed in 1992 to franchise The Little Gym concept. Today, The Little Gym International has more than 300 locations across the globe. For more information, visit The Little Gym at www.TheLittleGym.com.

Contact:

Heather Anderson
The Little Gym International
(480) 948-2878
andersonh@thelittlegym.com

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