Let's face it. Exercise is in serious decline among today's youth. Children spend the majority of their days sitting behind a desk in school, at the computer, playing video games or watching TV. Added with our fast food lifestyle and it's easy to see why our children are suffering from obesity, diabetes and other major health concerns. Although it may seem children are getting exercise while rushing from one place to the next on a daily basis, this is a common misperception. Just because your child is busy does not mean they're getting enough exercise. They need aerobic activity which involves steady movement and raises the heart rate. Children and adolescents need at least 60 minutes of physical activity, preferably every day.

Not only does being fit help kids lose weight, but it helps build strong bones and muscles, lowers blood pressure, and increases circulation. Being active during the day ensures a good night's sleep, which in turn allows them to be more alert during the day.

Being active and fit significantly improves children's emotional well-being and self-esteem as well. Having high self-esteem as a child is crucial in building strong stable young adults. Children with low self esteem are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, while those with high self esteem believe in themselves and have a sense of self-respect.

It can be a challenge to get an inactive child interested in being active everyday. The trick is finding an activity that children will enjoy and feel cool sharing with their friends. Find something that they would consider popular and trend setting.

The young generation is fascinated with hip hop music and culture. They watch music videos, listen to their ipods, and dress like their idols on TV. With the popularity of movies like "Stomp the Yard" and "You got Served", hip hop dance is everywhere. This is the perfect way to help your kids incorporate their interests with an avenue to get fit. Hip hop dance is a great way for children and adolescents to get exercise, have fun, and still being on the cutting edge of popular trends today.

Dance in general can play an important role in developing physical well being and creativity. Children who dance enjoy increased levels of both physical and psychological fitness. An hour of sustained high energy dance can burn up to 400 calories or more depending on your body weight. (calorie control website)

One of the best ways for kids to get involved with dance is through private lessons. As with all activities such as tennis, skating, golf, and swimming, private training offers many benefits for beginner to advanced students. Firstly, it offers students the freedom to move forward at their own fitness levels. Too often it seems that our kids are boxed into group learning that is moving way to fast or too slow for their needs. One on one coaching allows for personalized lessons tailored to the level of your child. It also allows them to improve skills at a faster rate by focusing on specific areas and elements that need work. Private lessons also help students build confidence with the personal guidance, constant assurance, and patience from the teacher. The teacher and student work together to set fitness goals for the student and achieve them as a unit.

One of the biggest benefits of private lessons is the convenience of time scheduling. With so much going on in our everyday lives, it can be tough to get to a class on someone else's schedule. With private lessons, you can plan out a schedule that works best into your daily routine.

With private coaching and expertise your children will surely be inspired to get up and get their groove on! Having a passion outside of school or work such as dance is a fantastic way to get fit, feel better, and boost self-esteem. With private coaching, your child's teacher will surely bring out the superstar qualities in your child and help them to feel good about their progress. Parents win by providing a safe environment for further development of their child's interests and get exercise. Kids win by staying fit and learning the hottest dance moves they watch everyday on videos and television. Dance is a fun alternative route for getting fitter and healthier!