April Thomas of April's Gymnastics Center and the gymnasts that go there are no strangers to fitness. In fact, it is an absolute necessity.

"Kids now, they come in, you see what they come in with," she said pointing at a trash can filled to the brim with fast food bags, chips and soda cans peeping out. "When they're not active, it's just not good for them."

In collaboration with a USA Gymnastics initiative, AGC will offer a Fit Kids Boot Camp from August 7-11 aimed at teaching children better fitness and nutrition choices. Thomas said the purpose of the camp is to get kids moving.

"It's about setting fitness goals for themselves," she said. "We are not weighing them. We don't worry about a child's weight. The issue is what is the healthiest you can be."

USA Gymnastics partnered with Tyson Foods and announced the fitness challenges in June, which will be held at USA Gymnastics Clubs across the country. The fitness program is designed to encourage kids to live healthier, more active lifestyles through positive physical activity and nutritional changes. Statistics say one in three kids is overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.

Thomas said the Fit Kids Book Camp is not intended to teach children gymnastics and participants do not have to know how to perform gymnastics. Instead the program focuses on five sessions to promote healthier choices. In session one, campers will set their fitness goals. Session two involves cardiovascular conditioning, which is important for the heart and lungs to be well conditioned, and hydration. The kids will then move on to strength training to develop strong and healthy muscles.

"Children shouldn't lift very heavy weights, but use lighter weights with a lot of reps," Thomas said. "We'll also do pull ups; most kids can't do a single pull-up."

Session four focuses on flexibility and stretching and the final session will be a promotion ceremony where the participants will receive a certificate and a fitness challenge, as well as reflect on how they have progressed.

"We talk about if they met their goals and if not, that's OK. We'll focus on what we can do to help them achieve those goals. We will involve the parents as well," Thomas said.

The physical fitness will be taught in fun ways that will be age appropriate, Thomas said. The nutritional aspect will promote a well-balanced diet and the necessary nutrition to strength and endurance. The campers will be given choices of healthy snacks during the day.

"We'll freeze grapes and cantaloupe and honey dew, give them Slim Jims, which has a lot of protein, and string cheese," Thomas said. "I think we find that kids, more or less, they like it but parents don't put it out there for them."

Thomas said the camp will teach kids how fitness and nutrition go together and is for all ages. Fit Kids Boot Camp participants do not have to be a member of AGC. To join, call 531-2956.

Other photographs from April's Gymnastic Center are available for purchase as reprints. Getting them is simple. Visit TheTandD.com and click on ?oto reprints?n the left-hand index. You? get to look at photos from this event and images from events during past months. Click on the image you want for reprint and follow the instructions. Questions? Call The Times and Democrat at 803-533-5500.

T&D Sports Editor Charlene Slaughter can be reached by e-mail at cslaughter@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5529. Discuss this and other stories online at TheT&D.com

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