Kids' fitness

We all know that exercise is an important part of being physically fit. But it's not only for adults.

A story by Samantha Rinehart in Tuesday's Southeast Missourian highlighted several fitness opportunities for children.

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department now is offering registration for several low-cost programs, including swimming, baseball, basketball and other fun-filled activities.

If organized sports don't interest your child, there are many other free ways to become active, including bicycling or walking a local trail. These offer the added benefit of spending time with your child and providing a good example for physical fitness.

Local facilities Fitness Plus and HealthPoint Fitness each offer programs for young people.

Another opportunity that combines physical activity and spiritual growth is the Run for God course. The 12-week training is meant to help participants run or walk a 5k while focusing on the spiritual parallels between running and faith. The organization is holding an information meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 25 at Lynwood Baptist Church, and a race will be held in June. All ages are welcome.

If you and your family are not already participating in some fitness activity, now is a great time to start.