Gym improves family health through kids' fitness

Joyful calls of 'Miss Millie' fill the air as a mass of 2-5-year-olds neatly seated against the wall shout Millie Aufdenberg's name as she enters the room at Southeast HealthPoint Fitness in Jackson.

Each child is greeted by name as the class commences and colored hula hoops are passed out to everyone. In anticipation of the chaos that might ensue as a result of a child not getting his or her favorite color, Aufdenberg preempts any fits that may occur.

"We take what we get," Aufdenberg says, "and we don't throw a fit," the children respond in unison.

This is "Romp 'N Stomp," an hour-long health and fitness class tailored to young children that teaches them how to build a solid foundation for a healthy lifestyle, and the children's excitement about their bi-weekly session is tangible as the energetic Aufdenberg leads them through their exercises.

The class is one of several that Southeast HealthPoint Fitness offers at both its Cape Girardeau and Jackson locations to help teach children the importance of exercise and proper nutrition, and the positive impact Aufdenberg has on her young pupils makes an impact on their parents as well.

"This is embarrassing, but my children are good role models for my wife and I as parents now," Dr. Jeremy Barnes said.

Dr. Barnes's children, twins Emma and Matthew, age 9, both began attending various Southeast HealthPoint childcare and fitness classes at the age of 6 months old.

"You'd hope that we'd model good behaviors for them, and we do, but it also works the other way. They point out to us that we need to eat more fruits and vegetables and we need to look after our muscles and our heart, and it's kind of reassuring when your kids are telling you that," Dr. Barnes said.

Nicole Bolen, whose son TJ, age 3, regularly attends "Romp 'N Stomp" classes, says it's never too early for children to start learning the importance of personal health.

"I think a lot of parents think young kids aren't really smart enough or ready to learn those things, but my son TJ knows where his deltoids are if you ask him. He's learning his muscles and some older kids and adults don't even know where the different muscles are. So it's a great learning tool," Bolen said.

Aufdenberg, a certified children's fitness specialist, says enrolling children in fitness programs early is essential in establishing a solid foundation for years to come.

"I feel if you don't start early with these little people, they're not going to know how to take care of themselves later on. Starting classes at ages 2 and 3 may seem a little young, but it gets them in here and it gets them into a routine," Aufdenberg said.

Aufdenberg's Southeast HealthPoint colleague, Elise Graham, says the added education is especially important considering the recent cuts many schools have made to physical education programs.

"At that age they don't' really have a health class. They have PE that emphasizes the fitness components, but Millie focuses on how it all works together. She shows them how fitness helps your body and your mind. It's more comprehensive than what the schools are able to offer in the little bit of time they get with the kids. So many times now, PE is only offered once a week because the schools have had to cut it out," Graham said.

"I think every community needs programs like we have in this community," Dr. Barnes said. "We're so fortunate that we have resources in this community that allow kids to learn at a really early age, and that's the key. They learn the importance of physical activity and simple concepts like eating healthy. The importance of those two things goes a long way in improving their health."

For more information about "Romp 'N Stomp" and other Southeast HealthPoint Fitness children's programs, contact either their Jackson location at (573) 243-2211, or their Cape Girardeau location at (573) 986-4400.