Helping Kids At The Core

By drodriguez Jul 23, 2008

When a person begins a fitness routine it is usually with the sole intention of becoming fit, trim, or healthy. But what if it could do more? What if it could sharpen your awareness and mental clarity? Well, if you have found a love for Pilates you probably already believe it can do just that.

Pilates is a physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20^th century by a man named Joseph Pilates. He developed the system as a way to rehabilitate returning soldiers from the First World War. Pilates works to strengthen, stretch, and stabilize the key muscles through certain methods of movement. It also has a strong focus on strength through mental control.

In more recent years people have begun to recognize how Pilates can benefit children as well. Lily Horowitz, trained and certified Pilates instructor and founder of the Kidlates method, has seen a lot of these benefits firsthand.

She teaches specialized classes for both learning challenged and non-learning challenged children. Horowitz reports rave reviews from the parents of the children she has instructed. She says that increased stamina, improved self-esteem, increased concentration, abdominal strength, improvement in timing, motor skills (opening jars and lids without assistance), sleep improvements, as well as social and emotional milestones have been almost unanimously documented by parents.

Lily Horowitz, who also has a child with learning delays and sensory issues herself, believes that the core of a child’s motor instability exists within the trunk’s instability (weakness in muscles used for sitting and standing for long periods of time). Sitting in class can be one of the toughest places for a child who has weak muscles in this area. It can make learning that much more difficult if they cannot find a comfortable way to sit.

After speaking personally with Lily Horowitz, her passion and belief that what she does can make a big difference in a child’s life becomes strikingly clear. Horowitz explains, “The look on their faces when they complete a move that has been so difficult is priceless. They feel so good about themselves and how hard they have worked and it only motivates them to do more. For me, that is the most rewarding thing about what I do, I can make a difference in their lives and in turn they make a difference in mine.”

For more information about the Kidlates program or to contact Lily Horowitz directly about obtaining a Kidlates video, you can visit www.Kidlates.com .

What do you think of the Kidlates program?

If a Kidlates program were to come to your neighborhood, do you think you would take your children?

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Comments

by halfchina | Orlando, FL

Sep 08, 2008

With my 7 year old son, his idea of working out is riding his bike, skateboarding, playing soccer, etc. I would love for him to learn how to focus, as right now he sometimes has a hard time doing this. His teacher has made comments about this, but at the same time he always gets his assignments done and most of the time before the other children. I know part of it is because he is bored and not challenged, but there is only so much a teacher can do during the day. I am trying to find a way to help her and my son to make a more pleasant learning experience for all. If this would help him focus, I'm all for it.

by wollfy67 | Delta, OH

Aug 20, 2008

I am very interested in this. I have a Autistic child and it is very hard for her to focus on one thing at a time. We walk and talk alot and that helps. I think this will even help me, I do get stressed out often. To help me with my focus and maybe tone up some will be wonderful.

by jgossert | SHILLINGTON, PA

Aug 18, 2008

I would love a chance to introduce kidlates to my children. From what I read on the kidlates site - there is a DVD available but no other information on how to get it is on the site... I'd love to have something like this to share with my children.

by Trisha71478 | HUMBLE, TX

Aug 01, 2008

i love it. i am a yoga lover....so i bet this would be great for my kids.

by firecracker | Elgin, TX

Jul 31, 2008

I think that teaching kids to exercise at an early age is a must! Keeping them away from the television and making them feel good about themselves.

by fabfivemom | Conroe, TX

Jul 30, 2008

I wish they had this in my area!

by rdiamondp | WAUSAU, WI

Jul 30, 2008

I think it is great! I exercise regularly and my 5 year old daughter loves to exercise with me and even when I am not. I know that when I don't exercise for a week that my mood changes dramatically so it only makes sense that it would do the same for children.

by shaunana | Randolph, MA

Jul 30, 2008

What a great concept! As someone who practices Pilates, I firmly believe it can help with focus, concentration, and mental clarity. In a world where more children are being treated for things like ADD and there is also and increase in childhood obesity, you can't help but think there is a natural link. I think any solution that decreases the amount of chemicals we need to put in someone's body is at least worth trying.

by momoffive | Mobile, AL

Jul 29, 2008

I want my child to be mroe into staying healthy and strong. I find as we get older our body just does nto work as it used to and we pass the time thinking we will do it later. But, it is very important for everyone to really try their best to keep their bodies strong.

by ehwells | Saint Louis, MO

Jul 29, 2008

I have an 11 year old with cerebral palsy and we need to find a place like this were we live. I think it would really help him with his trunk strength and leg strength

by mr44 | Newark, DE

Jul 29, 2008

Definitely. My child is only 13 months old now. Excercise is very important. When she is old enough I want her to be exposed to all kinds of excercise.

by Lusadi | Wasilla, AK

Jul 28, 2008

Absolutely. I'm already taking my son to Yoga at the age of 4. I think exploring exercise that relies only on body mechanics is awesome for the little folks.