Medical Reports: Fit Kids

WSVN -- Starting off your day with a morning run or ending it with a stop at the gym? Seems like everyone wants to get in shape.

Nohelia Siddons: "One, two, three, go."

Mattias Martinez: "I feel good. I feel worked out. I feel energized. I feel more healthy."

Mattias Martinez and his sister Camilia are shaping up with the help of their own personal trainer.

Camilia Martinez: "We work out a lot. We do some yoga. It's really fun."

Once reserved for adults, more and more parents are seeing it as a way to get the whole family in shape.

Susan Martinez: "I was looking for a place to take my children to where they can have fun."

Nohelia Siddons specializes in training kids.

Nohelia Siddons: "My training consists of fun activities that will improve coordination, mental agility, muscular strength and, the most important thing, self-esteem."

Doctors say this new approach may be the answer in fighting obesity among youngsters.

Dr. Jesse Reeves-Garcia of Miami Children's Hospital: "We are changing with the times, so I guess that's the way it needs to be done, and that's fine."

Most doctors agree drastic steps are needed because kids are getting adult, weight-related diseases.

Dr. Jesse Reeves-Garcia: "We are seeing things now that we didn't see before. Kids with gallstones because of obesity. Type 2 diabetes in children 10, 12 years old because of obesity."

Doctors say it's only going to get worse.

Dr. Jesse Reeves-Garcia: "Thirty to 40 percent of all children will be overweight in the next 10 to 20 years, that's a scary concept."

Nohelia says being creative is the key.

Nohelia Siddons: "You have to be kind of cartoonish. You have to be fun. You have to play with them."

And the results come quickly.

Nohelia Siddons: "They become more confident. They become happier."

And Susan says, in her case, it's not just the kids who are benefiting.

Susan Siddons: "I would recommend this for everyone. Do it as a family, and you're going to see the results."

Diana Diaz: "If you hire a personal trainer make sure their program is specially designed for kids. As for the cost, sessions range anywhere from $40 to $80."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Jesse Reeves-Garcia
Miami Children's Hospital
3200 SW 60th Court, Suite 204
Miami, FL 33155
305-661-6110
www.mchr.com

Nohelia Siddons
305-469-0564
www.fitnessandmind.com