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4
Minute Fitness - perfect for children
I am continually asked of tai
chi is good for children. The answer is "yes", but unfortunately - most
children find it too boring. They are not usually looking for the quiet
aspects offered by most types of mind body wellness.
However - 4 Minute Fitness is
perfect for children. Here's why.
- fast learning curve -
they love the DVD and are able to begin practice almost immediately, due
to the "Follow Along" section at the end of the DVD (2nd page of the menu)
- the DVD is interesting.
Many scenes are shot outside and include dogs, cats, birds and my twin
boys.
- children can relate to
the enthusiastic, energy building parts. They do these things naturally,
so have a pile of fun with the DVD.
Many teachers have introduced some or all of
the 4 Minute Fitness principles into the class room.
A teacher who practices 4 Minute Fitness will
likely feel more focused and calm, enough to possibly make a significant difference in the
behaviour of a class.
But what about the demeanor and energy of the
students? In this day and age, students often have a 64 ounce super big drink and a
chocolate bar for lunch, they have all sorts of personal, social and academic stresses and
consequently have a hard time sitting still or concentrating. Interestingly, student
stress is often not addressed in class settings, yet even a couple of deep breaths can
help considerably.
Here is a copy of a report I received reviewing
some benefits noticed by a teacher who introduced his students to 4 Minute Fitness. I
added the highlights, but otherwise the document was simply copied and pasted into this
web page (with permission).
University of San Diego -
DoDEA-Guam District
Title:
Methods for
Teaching P.E. Standards in the Classroom
Dates: February
5-March 30, 2002
Course Number:
500CB
Location of Class:
DoDEA Guam
Participant: David T. Zimms 4th
Grade, GEMS
Class Assignments:
-
I attended DoDEA-Guam’s Wellness Day
Feb.4,2002
-
Completed 8 days of “4 Minute
Fitness” with class
Feb.11 – March 1, and continuing.
Reaction
1 – After introducing the exercises (one per day) concentrating on form and
breathing of each, we then did the entire workout.
During the week of 3/11 - 3/15, I used the workout as a
transition between Language Arts and Math. After sitting for about 2 hours it was a
welcome change of pace.
I
found that all students seemed refreshed and better focused for the next lesson. Many of
the students had more energy and attention and seemed better than pre workout.
Reaction 2
– During the week of 3/25 - 4/1 (Terra Nova). I used the “4 Minute
Fitness” to refresh and focus the class for the next part of the test. We did the
workout during the 10-minute break between testing sessions. It was apparent to me that the
class welcomed the chance to exercise in a controlled environment. They all seemed
refreshed and ready to take on the next part of the exam.
More Comments from other Teachers:
Each year I present to hundreds, sometimes thousands of teachers. I
encourage them to bring the ideas into their classroom. They often report
significant benefits!
"Dr. Jeffery, I enjoyed our phone conversation and I look forward to more.
I would like to, again, thank you for 4 minute fitness.
I have implemented 4 Minute Fitness
into our alternative high school with tremendous results. My son is
our health/wellness/adventure education teacher and he uses it every day
with students. We incorporate it into our staff meetings and it is my
intention for all of my students to use it and have a working knowledge of
the principles. My students are considered in high risk of dropping out of
high school and we approach all students on an individual basis. We connect
with them in hopes that they will reconnect with school.
My vision for our school is to help students empower themselves with our
help and live a healthy and productive life. The principals of your program
fit right in to what we are attempting to do with our students.
Thanks again."
Tim Weiss
Principal
Springdale Alternative School
Springdale Arkansas
"On the lighter side, I did the clap, stomp,
yes with my Grade 1 & 2 class Friday, they loved it, but one little guy says "why
are we saying yes???," I replied, "yes, because - you're the best!" -seemed
to do the trick and they bought into it. To be continued (I'll let you know)."
G. Herkel |
