Charleston Women Spring 2021

www. Char l es tonWomen . com | www. ReadCW. com | www. Facebook . com/Char l es tonWomen CW M ost of us contemplate our own personal physical fitness goals and regimen in the new year, but it’s not often that we extend this focus to our children. Keeping kids active is important for both the mental and physical health of their rapidly growing and developing minds and bodies. “We are talking about longevity of health here,” said Jill Zimmerman, owner, physical therapist and personal trainer at Perfectly Fit Charleston. “Instilling healthy habits and physical skills will support and guide the development of these tiny humans as they become adults.” Krista Tilly, licensed marriage and family therapist associate at Life Resources in Mount Pleasant, addressed the current climate children are living in today and the unfortunate way this lifestyle generates stagnant children. “In homes and classrooms around the country, children are spending more and more time on screens and less time outdoors. It is well established that young children learn best through physical engagement and active play,” Tilly pointed out. “Children who spend the majority of their day sitting in front of television and various screens are developing unhealthy lifestyle habits that can have long-term impacts on their emotional and social development, in addition to the well-documented health ramifications associated with physical inactivity.” It’s evident that the need for physical fitness is imperative, but many parents are unsure of what they can do to help foster this value and ensure the child carries BY J ENNY HARR I SON A Better Mind and Body Raising Active Adolescents Coach Cooper keeps kids interested and engaged with Bob the soccer bal l. Ji l l Zimmerman has kept her own daughter active and moving from the time she could walk. Coach Ph i l l ips get s I ’On toddl er s exc i ted about soccer.