Competitive Edge helps battle childhood obesity

When people think of a sports training center, many images might come to mind, none of which include children who are overweight. About 18 percent of children suffer from childhood obesity, a statistic that has increased by 5% since 2013.

Competitive Edge Athletic Performance Center in Woodbridge, Virginia is doing something about it, giving kids a fun way to address their health, without the stigma.

A Program that Works

Ashley Than, a strength coach at Competitive Edge, has a Bachelor’s in Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. Through her education and training, she has become familiar with the national issue of childhood obesity and has dedicated her professional life to helping children overcome it.

Every day at Competitive Edge, Than helps children gain confidence and live healthier, more active lives. She says every day is different for her at work, but she is usually in the weight room.

“I warm up the athletes and run them through their workouts, making sure they are working as hard as they can, doing the exercise right, and getting the most of their lifts. Other days I am coaching Tennis, working on techniques, gameplay, and speed and agility on the court,” she said.

During the school year, Than works with homeschool PE days, when they keep home school children active. Their workouts begin with a run, followed by dynamic warm-ups, followed by a workout like circuit training or obstacle courses. These PE sessions are designed to be fun. The workouts are interspersed with games to keep kids engaged.

Changing the Trend

Than sees the top causes of childhood obesity as poor diet (overeating, limited access to nutritional foods), sedentary lifestyle (playing video games or watching too much television) and genetic factors (race, ethnicity, age, heredity and fat cell development).

Obesity in children can cause lifelong illness. According to Than, children’s risk of developing diabetes rises exponentially if they are obese.

“Being obese makes the child more at risk for metabolic syndrome, which is a set of health conditions that can lead to heart disease, stroke and, of course, diabetes,” Than said. “If a child has any risk factors in adolescence, they will never lose them as they grow into an adult.”

Childhood obesity makes people more susceptible to weight gain, and it makes it more difficult to maintain weight loss as an adult, as well as increases the risk for developing weight-related diseases, said Than.

Making good food choices is imperative. Schools are part of the equation.

Regarding school lunches, Than doesn’t believe schools offer the healthiest options but says they have come a long way over the years.

“You know, back when I was in school, I remember eating pizza, fries and burgers, foods with very little nutritional value. Nowadays, the school systems are starting to implement higher standards for school lunches and including healthier options like whole-wheat pasta, wraps, salads, and fruits.”

She pointed out that schools are now following the Choose My Plate program, which is a great way to introduce healthy eating to children.

For families struggling with childhood obesity, Than’s advice is to begin making lifestyle changes as a family. She advises making small, gradual changes, like cutting back on TV and electronics usage, going for walks and incorporating more outdoor activities.

She also advises implementing good portion control and using the tools at Choose My Plate to make healthier eating choices. “Motivation will be the key thing here,” said Than. “In my experience, the kids won’t want to move or leave the house. Be creative. Definitely, don’t force them into anything. Encourage them.”

Find more information about Competitive Edge’s innovative programs at www.competitiveedgeva.com.