Grand Rapids, MI (PRWEB) March 21, 2008
Doreen Bolhuis, the creator of GYMTRIX and a nationally recognized physical education professional was named one of the "50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan" by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Doreen has been influential in many ways throughout the community. But perhaps her greatest influence is because she has created a business and programs geared to creating confidence and self-esteem in children through physical fitness. With 35 years of experience in physical education, she is helping to lead the fight to reduce childhood obesity.
"So many children today simply do not have any physical skills. They lack basic eye-hand coordination, motor skills, eye-foot coordination and balance. It's not as though these skill are difficult, but we do not take the time to teach them. Instead, schools provide sub-standard or limited programs and activities. Children flapping their arms around to hip hop music, or simply running around is not the answer. Yes, it does burn calories. But, it does not teach the basic skills that kids need to learn."
Physical Literacy, according to Bolhuis, is a comprehensive set of physical skills which enable children to engage in any physical activity. Just as children need to learn their ABCs before they can read and be academically literate, they need skills to be "physically literate."
In an effort to help parents and teachers fight the epidemic of childhood obesity and be proactive, Bolhuis has launched GYMTRIX, a series of DVD programs to teach the important basic skills needed to keep children off the sidelines and get them more active. In addition Bolhuis knows that the most important weapon is knowledge. Along with Cynthia Kay, also named one of the "50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan," Bolhuis provides information at http://www.howtopreventchildhoodobesity.com.
"We must seriously address obesity now. Sedentary children become sedentary adults. The time to learn skills for life-long health is infancy and childhood," Bolhuis states. "If children do not develop motor skills, kinesthetic awareness, coordination and agility at a young age they are disadvantaged when faced with the challenge of physical participation."
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