A silent menace has been brewing for years. Its victims are children who are increasingly becoming casualties of a phenomenon gaining traction, and influence with alarming intensity – the pandemic of a “sedentary lifestyle.” This menace is not transmittable like a traditional pandemic, but its clinical manifestations often result in childhood obesity, attentional disorders, depression, and anxiety.
This growing pandemic, however, has not gone unnoticed. Pamela Gunther, the Founder and CEO of Fit and Fun Playscapes, is a passionate advocate for combating sedentary behaviors through a movement revolution. Backed by robust scientific evidence, Gunther champions the power of movement as a fundamental means to spur holistic growth in children, both physically and mentally.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day for children and adolescents aged six and above. Understanding this critical need for daily movement, Gunther, who is also a mother of three, is committed to incorporating these activity levels into the education system, bolstering not just physical health but cognitive growth, academic performance, and social-emotional development among children.
Photo Credit: Fit and Fun Playscapes
Solidifying the concept of this movement revolution, Fit and Fun Playscapes has cracked the code to seamlessly embed physical activity in educational environments. Their range of active play products utilizes recognizable, stimulating graphics, and time-honored play patterns. The offerings range from painted stencils, floor and wall decals to portable roll-out games, designed to encourage both structured and free play. Research supports the effectiveness of these offerings, citing increases in students’ physical activity and teacher engagement when they are implemented.
The CDC’s Healthy Schools Program, for instance, documents an impressive 66% increase in teacher involvement and 27% surge in physically active students post-intervention with Fit and Fun’s reusable stencils. Gunther emphasizes how these game-enabling resources developed in collaboration with educators and health field experts were designed to meet diverse student needs. The main aim is to stimulate physical coordination, mental focus, social interaction, and problem-solving skills among children.
Each of these products from Fit and Fun Playscapes intricately interweaves science-based movements with colorful graphics and purposeful activities. Tactful deployment of these tools both inside and outside the classroom can help students build essential life skills and deal with various situations throughout their lifetime.
Photo Credit: Fit and Fun Playscapes
Notably commendable is how Fit and Fun Playscapes curated their products with special attention to the requirements of students with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Gunther’s personal experiences, both personally and professionally, seem to have influenced the creation of these unique play resources. They cater to diverse physical activity needs, stimulate various sensory modes, and even provide elements to practice mindfulness.
In successfully aligning science with play, Gunther’s Fit and Fun Playscapes continues to add innovation to their product lines. They are serving not just school-aged children but also catering to an older and more diverse demographic, as the importance of regular physical activity extends beyond childhood.
In a world gradually succumbing to the lure of screens and sedentary lifestyles, Fit and Fun Playscapes is taking a refreshing leap towards invigorating physical activity within the formative environments of children. Fit and Fun Playscapes continues to embrace the much-needed movement revolution––a proactive step towards reshaping the lives of our younger generations for the better.
Photo Credit: Fit and Fun Playscapes
Follow Fit and Fun Playscapes on their mission to mobilize healthy growth.
Website: https://www.fitandfunplayscapes.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FitandFunPlay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitandFunPlayscapes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitandfunplayscapes/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/i9odTma1HUU
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fit-and-fun-playscapes
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fitandfunplayscapes/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fitandfunplay
Published by: Aly Cinco
