A New Formula for Fitness

by Dave Harney

Would it surprise you to learn that your children may hold the key to your health and fitness?  You may have thought they only contributed to your stress and anxiety, but surprisingly, some local medical, nutrition, and fitness professionals have data indicating the contrary.  In fact, they have started a new venture utilizing new formulas from this data to develop programs to provide better fitness for all.

The venture is the Rochester School of Fitness (RSF).  It is the brainchild of doctors Cathy J. Hahn, MD, Rahul Sengupta, MD, nutritionist Carol Plotkin,MS RD, and fitness guru Mido Zelenjakovic. They started the school to meet the growing crisis in childhood obesity.  Both doctors practice at Pittsford Pediatrics and felt hampered because, while they could diagnose this problem, there was little in the community that offered therapies and programs to help kids create new lifestyles and patterns that would lead to success.

The school teaches courses for children and parents ranging from physical fitness exercise programs to nutrition courses.  All are designed to integrate the whole family into healthier eating and exercise patterns.  Specific programs include:
           
Strength Training for Young and Old
            Aerobics Activities
            Cooking with Your Kids
            How Much is Too Much? (food)
            How to Shop, Prepare, and Eat

The formula on which Rochester School of Fitness programs are based is simple:

And why is this true?  It’s not rocket science.  It’s because parents love their children and want what is best for them.  Conversely, children learn behaviors from adults, especially their parents.  So if you put the family unit together in programs where they all learn and practice healthy behaviors, lifestyles can change, hopefully permanently.  And it’s not just the local team at the RSF that believes this.  Numerous studies have proven the concept does work.

Dr. Sengupta says “It is our belief that children should be incorporated into every element of wellness in the family.  For example, instead of gathering each night to eat a family meal together, have the whole family participate in making a healthy meal.  In fact, take it one step further and shop together to buy healthy foods!”   It’s the same formula for exercise. For example, Dr. Hahn suggests that instead of just dropping your child off at the gym, work out with them!   If activities are based on sound nutrition and exercise information, this will produce reinforcing behaviors in each family member and a higher degree of wellness for all.

The RSF is among the first facilities in the U.S. to build a program based on this philosophy, and to give families a place where children from age 6 on up can learn and practice exercise and wellness programs with their parents.  They have already had early successes, with some patients enjoying considerable weight loss from techniques learned at the school.  And the staff believes it’s only a matter of time until they can point to the successes of entire families who experience the satisfaction of helping each other to be healthy, fit, and enjoy life more.