Running for Mental Health

Dr. Adel Korkor, Founder of the AB Korkor Foundation for Mental Health, shares the origin story of his organization’s “Five Fifty Fifty” series of run/walk events and a partnership with Fit Kids to bring our programs to 15 new cities throughout the U.S.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Sports and Fitness

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day—the April 15 celebration of Jackie Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first African-American player in modern Major League Baseball history—Fit Kids Conversations welcomes Marti Reed, Positive Coaching Alliance’s Director of National Partnerships and DEI Programming Manager.

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Holistic Mental Health for Sports and Fitness

Holistic Mental Performance Coach Laura M. Wilde draws from her work with everyone from NBA and Major League Baseball stars to youth athletes in our latest Fit Kids Conversation! Here are tips and tools to use with the active kids in your life!

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How to Have a Healthy Heart

Fit Kids Conversation with Matthew Levy

Soon after the Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin suffered a scary cardiac arrest incident on Monday Night Football, Fit Kids spoke to Matthew Levy, MD, a cardiologist, who explained the incident and provided perspective on heart health for kids and the adults responsible for them.

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The Mind-Body Connection

A conversation with Toni Mar

Beloved University of California, Berkeley Physical Education faculty member Toni Mar (M.S. in Kinesiology), has taught yoga, conditioning, and the mind-body connection at Cal for more than two decades.

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Willie Banks: Fitness and Focus

A Conversation with Willie Banks

As a child, Willie Banks was so restless/energetic/hyperactive that his parents sought professional help. Here, the 3-time Olympian and world-record holder in the Triple Jump explains how physical activity helped solve his childhood challenges.

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How Fitness Training Develops the Whole Child

Youth fitness is about more than just developing strength, skill, stamina, agility, and athleticism. Done right, a structured youth fitness program like the one Fit Kids offers can develop the total child, helping kids integrate their minds, bodies, and spirits.

 
So says Dr. Andrea Ettekal, assistant professor at Texas A&M University’s Applied Youth Development Initiative.
 
In this video conversation, Dr. Ettekal explains:
 
  • The overall value of out-of-school time as an opportunity to develop the total child
  • How physical fitness contributes to students becoming integral individuals and developing character
  • How coaches, administrators, volunteers, and other adult leaders in sports and fitness can leverage these opportunities
  • The unique challenges faced by children in underserved communities and those who have endured either acute trauma, such as abuse, or the longer-term traumas of poverty or systemic oppression
  • An understanding of how “failure” – even experienced while competing with oneself in a youth fitness program – helps children learn how to succeed
  • The importance of fun as a component that helps children gain all the benefits of a quality youth fitness program.