Being (active)

It has to start somewhere, so why not start as early as possible.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. In 2010, more than one-third of children and adolescents were considered overweight or obese.

Over the years, research has shown children are gradually settling into lifestyles that are more sedentary. Television, video games, and computers have slowly replaced the days of playing tag after school, riding bikes around the neighborhood, or having daylong sessions of dodge ball at the local park.

It’s time to strike back against childhood obesity. Along with making sure your kids eat a cycling, or running — and use it to raise money for those who are less fortunate. When these two worlds collide, good things can happen. The sky’s the limit.” healthy, nutritious diet, encourage them to get out and be active.

Want to participate in a Greater Events race? On Sept. 28, they will host “The Swamp Thing Mud Run” in Umatilla, which benefits the Dads for Boys Ranch. For more information about this race and Greater Events, call 352.356.8596 or visit greaterevents.com.

Children should get 60 minutes or more of exercise a day at least five days a week, but what kind of activity?

AEROBIC EXERCISE: This can consist of either moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, or vigorous-intensity activity, such as running or aerobic dancing.

MUSCLE STRENGTHENING: Gymnastics, tug-of-war, swinging on the monkey bars, and climbing trees strengthen muscles and get the heart pumping.

BONE STRENGTHENING: Fun activities such as jumping rope and skipping and sports such as tennis and basketball are perfect for building bone strength.

Launched in 2010 by First Lady Michelle Obama, the Let’s Move! initiative aims to fight childhood obesity by providing simple tools to schools, families, and communities that will help kids eat better, get healthy, and become more active. Since it is still summer, Let’s Move! suggests children try these fun activities.

1. Explore the neighborhood by taking a walk.

2. Grab a helmet and go for a bike ride on a local trail.

3. Join a sports team.

4. Go to the park and toss a Frisbee with a friend.

5. Help your parents with yard work.

Video games that (get you going)

DANCE CENTRAL

(Xbox 360 with Kinect motion sensor): While not necessarily considered a “fitness game,” Dance Central keeps you jumping and gyrating to songs from top artists like Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue.

ZUMBA FITNESS

(Xbox 360, Wii, PS3):

If you like to burn serious calories while twisting and shaking to intoxicating Latin and international beats, then the Zumba Fitness line may have you ditching your routine workout and “joining the party.”

WII FIT PLUS(Wii):

This follow-up interactive fitness game uses an aerobic step-like controller, dubbed the Wii Balance Board, to weigh you and calculate your body mass index. Then players can customize routines and use over 40 types of training activities for a total workout experience.

If the (shoe) fits…

JUST DANCE (Xbox 360, Wii): Although the game won’t give you a super intense workout, it will get you off the couch and moving, which is the main goal.

THE BIGGEST LOSER: ULTIMATE WORKOUT/ CHALLENGE (Xbox 360, Wii): Based on the hit reality show by the same name, this interactive game features more than 125 different exercises to help you lose weight and get fit.

YOUR SHAPE: FITNESS

EVOLVED (Xbox 360): For Kinect users, this game talks and walks you through detailed movements to improve your cardio and work your muscles.

EA SPORTS ACTIVE 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii): Using three sensors that connect wirelessly to your game console, users can set up a nine-week workout plan that will incorporate plenty of aerobics and strength training.

Make sure it’s comfy, too. Whether you are training for your next marathon, jumping from business meeting to business meeting, or enjoying a casual stroll around the park, one of the keys to getting and staying moving is having comfortable footwear.

‘When I was (your) age…’

If your children whine about having nothing to do the next time you make them go outside, share with them some of the games that kept you outside until the streetlights came on.

HIDE AND SEEK: All you needed was friends who actually wanted to find you and a great hiding place.

HOPSCOTCH: Sure, it seemed easy enough… until you had to pick up that rock while standing on one foot.

RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT: Playing this on roller skates was the best. You always walked away with skinned knees and a bruised behind.

RED ROVER: This team game was always a P.E. favorite because it was a fun way to clothesline someone you didn’t like.

it was a fun way to clothesline some ways a P E favorite because one didn’t like.

Running Shoes

Splurge

Nike Flyknit

Lunar1+iD: $200 Voted Editor’s Choice by Runner’s World magazine, this running shoe offers a supportive fi t, soft cushioning, and high breathability — with a hefty price tag. www.nike.com

Bargain

Brooks Pure

Connect 2: $90 While it may not look strong enough to handle the rigors of running,

35 The number of hours Francisco Petatán-Garcia and Joana Salinas-Aviles (both of Mexico) continuously danced to hold the world record for longest

Off and (running)

Monster Challenges

WHERE: Arnold Groves,15000 Frank Jarrell Road, Clermont

WHEN: Sept. 14

THE SCOOP: Claw your way through the four-plus mile course filled with more than 26 obstacles, mud, and water. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first place (fastest time with no penalties) male and first place (fastest time with no penalties) female.

MORE INFO: contact@ monsterchallenges.com or 352.978.2898

The Color Run 5k

WHERE: The Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, 1610 W. Church St., Orlando

WHEN: Sept. 22

THE SCOOP: This five-kilometer, untimed race requires participants to be doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. The fun continues at the finish line with a gigantic “Finish Festival,” using more colored powder to create happiness and lasting memories.

MORE INFO: thecolorrun.com/orlando

Superhero Adventure Race

WHERE: Blue Spring State Park, 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City

WHEN: Sept. 28

THE SCOOP: For this race, participants are dared to don their favorite superhero duds. The classic Elite 6 Hour and Sport 3 Hour races make this event a really fun race for all skill levels.

MORE INFO: pangeaadventureracing. com/event-details/events/2013superhero-ar

Athleta Iron Girl Clermont Women’s Triathlon

WHERE: Clermont Waterfront Park, 330 Third St., Clermont

WHEN: Sept. 29

THE SCOOP: It’s an all-women’s triathlon. The sprint distance is a half-mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a three-mile run. The super sprint distance is a quartermile swim, an eight-mile bike ride, and a two-mile run.

MORE INFO: www.irongirl.com/Events/ Clermont.htm

Pilates with (a punch)

Just from looking at Robin Mitchell, it’s easy to see she is serious about fi tness. She participates in Zumba and walks and runs regularly, but piloxing is undoubtedly her favorite way to get moving.

“I have not been in this good of shape in a long time,” she says. “I feel much better mentally and physically, and I also sleep better. When you feel this good, you are very motivated to continue working out faithfully.”

Robin became hooked with piloxing after taking her first class last September at the Golden Triangle YMCA in Tavares. This unique fi tness program blends the best of Pilates, kickboxing, and ballet into a high-energy workout. Robin and other participants wear weight-resistant gloves that maximize their workout when performing jabs, uppercuts, and hooks. Once they are finished punching, they move and groove to the beat of high-energy music playing in the background. The Pilates portion requires them to perform exercises such as balancing on one leg and completing leg lifts.

The entire time, they are following the lead of instructor Nikki Van Culin.

“I feel exhilarated after each workout,” says Robin, a 47-year-old marketing liaison with Tri-County Orthopaedic Center in Leesburg. “The moves we perform have helped me with balance, strength, and flexibility.” this minimal-inspired shoe provides a soft ride and enough cushioning for everyday training. www.brooksrunning.com

DRESS SHOES Splurge

Bruno Magli Runcon: $715

Made with nice pliable calfskin, this luxurious designer dress shoe is styled for looks and comfort. Wearers rave about the threedimensional construction. shop.brunomagli.com

Bargain

Florsheim Comfortech Tremont: $110

These more economical dress shoes have leather linings that wick away moisture, flexible rubber outsoles, and removable polyurethane footbeds that cushion your feet with each step. www.florsheim.com

HIGH HEELS Splurge

HIGHHEELS dance marathon by a couple. SOURCE: www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-3000/longest-marathon-dance-by-a-couple

Manolo Blahnik BB

Pointy Toe Pump: $595

“Hello, lover.” These designer pumps have been

The (4-1-1) on tai chi

Picture your body doing slow, gentle, and flowing movements that allow the stresses of the day to melt far away. Breathe in deeply, then exhale, and feel yourself fall into a pool of serenity.

Often called meditation in motion, tai chi has become a popular low-impact exercise used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. This ancient Chinese tradition involves moving from one position to the next in a relaxed, focused manner without stopping and while breathing deeply.

According to the National Institute on Aging, research shows tai chi can significantly reduce the risk of falls among seniors. It can also improve bone and heart health, ease the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis, better sleep, and enrich one’s overall wellness.

Local tai-chi instructor Bill Warden teaches classes all over the county, including a regular class for seniors at Mount Dora’s Waterman Village. “When I started the class, I had five or six people. Now, I have 14 to 15 people who come regularly,” he says. “Many say they feel better when they leave.”

Interested in tai-chi? Call Warden at 352.874.1508 to join a class or to set up a private session.

HL readers via :

How do you keep moving?

“Bike, swim, used to run a lot but hard on old joints.”

— Johnna Palmer Langwell

“Run and bike.”

— Lisa Hayes Metts

What were some of your (favorite ways to “get moving”) as a child and what do your children do to stay healthy and active in lake county?

“I loved to roller skate and ride bikes as a child! My kids take to the water and enjoy skiing and wake boarding : )”

— Michelle Holcomb

“As a child, I rode my bike, skateboarded, and played outside. My daughter, Sammi, loves to ride her bike, swim, and scallop during summer.”

— Alice Suhrbier Beatty

“As a child, I was rarely indoors. Too busy swimming, building forts, playing outdoor games (tag, hide and seek, steal the bacon, etc). Moms were not taxis; we walked or rode our bikes nearly everywhere. I still prefer to be outdoors.”

— The Media Fairy

dubbed distinctively sexy and super comfortable.

Blahnik keeps comfort in mind when designing his luxurious footwear. www.manoloblahnik.com

Bargain

Presia Pump: $59.99

By collaborating with Adidas, Rockport offers a pump for the businesswoman on the go. Equipped with highly shock-absorbent and flexible cushioning, this shoe will last you 9- to-5 and beyond. www.rockport.com

SANDALS Sl uses So Technologytomin

Splurge Mephisto

Parfolia: $280

Consider the RollsRoyce of comfort shoes,

Mephisto uses Soft Air Technology to minimize the shock from walking. These shoes are designed to cradle your feet and provide relief for your joints. en.mephisto.com

Bargain

Crocs Cleo II

Women’s Comfortable

Sandals: $29.99

They’re Crocs, so you know they offer comfort