Photo by Aimee Laine Olympian McChelle Lewis recities the Girl Scout Pledge while speaking to a group of youngsters at LifeStyle Family Fitness in Apex.
The quick recitation of the Girl Scout Pledge was the perfect opener to her audience of a dozen Apex Girl Scouts.
For the sixth year, LifeStyle Family Fitness has opened its doors to kids 12-17 at no charge. The girls, each with an opportunity to participate in the summer-long event, kept their eyes riveted to the the runner dressed in red, white and blue, as she shared her story.
Unlike so many children who spend their days in front of video games and televisions, especially during the summer, MeChelle chose track and field and worked her way to the spot as the twelfth fastest female in the world.
As MeChelle explained, to remain fit, kids must exercise, and choose healthy foods. She suggested that kids should read food labels prior to purchase and consumption. One of the Girl Scouts said “it’s cool to know what’s in inside.” When asked how much time kids should put into physical activity on a daily basis, especially when homework, chores and school already compete for their attention, MeChelle showed them ways to fit in at least an hour throughout the day.
Her biggest piece of advice to kids who want to get fit is to set a goal. MeChelle said, “You can be an Olympian. Don’t put limits on people or what they can achieve in their life.” She added that to do so, “the actions have to support the goal.” It takes discipline and the summer program at LifeStyle Family Fitness is designed to provide the motivation kids need to change their paths, to keep them away from the statistics of obesity.
When asked if she would be going to the 2012 Olympics in in London, MeChelle said, “I think about it when I wake up, when I drive my car, when I go to bed. All the time. In my mind, I’m going.” With that sort of attitude, childhood obesity could be wiped out in the time it takes to run a fifty-yard dash.
Post a Comment
