Press Release

Media Contact: John Bourget
phone: 860.231.6350
email: jbourget@mandelljcc.org

Mandell Jewish Community Center to Feature the Only Local Exer-Gaming Program

High-tech way to fight the rise in childhood obesity

WEST HARTFORD, Conn., December 5, 2007 - The Mandell Jewish Community Center in West Hartford will offer the only dedicated space in the Greater Hartford area providing the latest video game inspired work outs for children and teens ages 8-13. Starting in January, this entire program is devoted to interactive fitness and promotes a win/win situation for kids by combining the benefits of physical activity with the fun of video gaming.

Childhood obesity is an important topic in the news; not only due to the physical risks but also the impact it can have on self-esteem. Approximately 30% of children and adolescents are overweight according to the American Obesity Association. Today's youth are considered the most inactive generation in history and many blame video games for this increase in sedentary behavior. By building on an activity that kids already embrace, the JCC combines fitness with the fun factor to improve coordination and proffer the benefits of a cardio workout.

The space at the Mandell JCC will include stationary video game bikes featuring two kid-size upright bikes, two kid-size recumbent bikes, two X-boards (which are professional grade boarding simulators combining the best of snowboard and skateboard racing), plus two Dance Dance Revolution games. All equipment is attached to Play Station 2 video games and wall-mounted plasma televisions.

There are also two adult sized bikes so that parents can join their children and spend some quality time together getting fit. With each of these cardio machines, the children must be physically active for the game to work. This may mean pedaling faster to quicken the pace of the action on the screen or doing more pedaling to win additional points. There is also a 6 piece strength circuit with equipment that is sized specifically for kids and which utilizes hydraulic resistance rather than plate weight to make it easier to use.

And since exercise and diet should go hand-in-hand, there will be programs, which promote healthy eating habits. The CoolFit Club will meet 1-2 times per week over a six-week session with classes for grades 3-5 and for grades 6-8. The classes will feature a nutrition session where students will benefit from information on how to make healthy fast food choices, how to pack a healthy lunch for school and how to read labels. Saint Francis Care Health Promotion Coordinator Sally Lerman, MS, CHES says that, "It's important for children to develop good eating and exercise habits while they are young. Starting when they are young makes it much easier for them to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle throughout their lives". There will also be sessions on stress reduction and positive body image, along with a full circuit with 30 minutes of physical activity plus an introduction to a new form of exercise such as Yoga.

Personal training designed especially for ages 8-13 will be added with programs which are appropriate for each specific age group. Other types of innovative programming are being explored through an advisory panel of kids and their parents which will help to ensure that the activities that are developed truly make sense for most families' schedules and needs.

The CoolFit Center will also host drop-in times for teens (weekdays from 2:30-4pm), children (weekdays from 4 - 6:30 pm) and for families (weekdays from 6:30-8 pm) and on weekends from 12-5 pm. The room will be supervised at all times by a dedicated fitness specialist who can advise on how to use the equipment for maximum effectiveness.

The use of technology-based interactive activities is growing in popularity to increase physical activity and maintain more healthy weights in children. According to Lisa Hansen, Co-Director of the University of South Florida X-Arcade Research Lab in the Department of Physical Education, Wellness and Sports Studies which is studying the effects of this type of program, "Exer-Gaming provides children with a unique way to exercise that is enjoyable and a great way to engage them in a physical activity that they will stay with for a longer period of time".

Marie Burman, Fitness Director at the Mandell JCC said that she expects the new CoolFit program to debut on January 6 at the JCC's first Fitness and Wellness Day. She invites the community to visit this open house and experience this exciting new trend "which is sure to be so much fun, kids won't even realize they are exercising".

For more information, please visit www.mandelljcc.org/fitness_sports/ or call 860-236-4571.

About the Mandell Jewish Community Center

The Mandell JCC is a community and cultural center that offers a full range of activities, classes and special events for people of all beliefs, ages and stages. The JCC's offerings include early child centers and after school programs, a summer camp, recreation and wellness facilities, health spas, an indoor pool, a swim and tennis club, an arts center and more. The JCC has a rich history which dates back more than 90 years and has continued to expand and evolve into its current role as a significant community and family resource for the Greater Hartford area. The JCC also has childcare facilities in Simsbury and Glastonbury.