“I think I can; I Think I can” This is not just a simple mantra repeated by the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine, but a simple form of self-talk that can transforms ones mindset and has the ability to influence everyday tasks and interactions.
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Through 2nd Recess, we encourage children to live daily by the “3-P’s” – Patience, Positivity, and Perseverance. Although all equally important, having a positive mindset can assist in overall well-being both on and off the track!

So how can one alter their mindset to better achieve their goals?
The answer is simple! As influenced by ACE fitness contributor, Allison Hagendorf there are a few simple steps on can take to use the power of a positive mind-set in order to turn goals into reality.

Listed below each step is a kid friendly version:

• Make Gratitude your Constant Attitude – It is all too easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday hectic schedules. A simple trick is to start each day by reciting at least three things for which you are thankful.
  • Ask your child to recite at least one thing he/she is grateful for before brushing his/her teeth in the morning. A regular routine of gratitude will be sure to start your child’s day off right!

• Visualize Your Goals – Envision yourself reaching your goals. Whatever your goals may be, allow yourself to envision the end result, and greatness will follow.
  • Encourage your child to draw a picture of his/her short and long term goals. Hang this someone within your home where your child can see this every day.
• Surround yourself with positive people – Whether these be family members, friends, or a mixture of both, surround yourself with people who lift you higher and support you in your goals.
  • Teach your child how to be a good friend, through sharing, supporting, and encouraging others. Explain to your child that in order to make friends you have to first BE a friend and treat others the way that you would like to be treated.
• Enjoy the process – This is Key! Focus not on removing or ridding your life of “bad” habits, as this will influence a negative state of mind. Instead focus on replacing old habits with new, positive habits.
  • Teach your child about habits and how these can be beneficial. Start small – Encourage your child to incorporate one positive habit a week into their daily routine.
  • Make this fun, by tracking the weekly positive habit to see how many days in a row your child can incorporate their new, healthy-habit!

References
Hagendorf, A. (n.d.). Why a Positive Attitude is the Most Powerful Tool for Reaching your Goals. Retrieved March 25, 2016, from https://www.acefitness.org/blog/5256/why-a-positive-attitude-is-the-most-powerful-tool

We are in the midst of spring with summer right around the corner!
Children are full of energy and parents are searching for ways to get their children out of the house without breaking the bank!
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At 2nd Recess, we inspire children and families to be out and active within their communities. Therefore, we have compiled a list of a few FUN and CHEAP things that you can do with your children to keep them happy and healthy all season long! Listed below are a few of the activities inspired by redtri.com. For an expansive list of Free and Cheap activities visit http://redtri.com/socal/free-or-cheap-things-to-do-in-san-diego/

• INSPIRE young Athletes – At the Olympic Training Center located in Chula Vista: San Diego is home to one of three Olympic Training Centers in the country! Each Saturday, at 11:00am actual Olympic athletes offer tours of the facility. If you cannot make it at this time do NOT worry. There are self-guided tours every day from 9am-5pm. There are currently athletes training for Archery, Track and Field, and Rugby!!
• Take a Hike! – Mission trails (located in La Mesa, California) is just one of the hikes within San Diego that is completely free to the public. Mission trails has multiple hikes ranging from mild – moderate in length and difficulty level. Whether you have an hour to spare or an entire day to spend with the family, Mission trails provides just one of the many opportunities for your family to get active while having fun and taking in the scenic views.
• Explore a Farmer’s Market – Did you know that San Diego has more than 50 Farmer’s Markets located in various parts of the county. Take your children to a Farmer’s Market to teach the importance of consuming locally grown and nutritious foods! See the attached link to find a Farmer’s Market near you! http://sdfarmbureau.org/BuyLocal/Farmers-Markets.php
• Walk around Balboa Park – With stunning scenery as far as the eye can see, Balboa Park is a beautiful place to take your family. Walk around and explore the area or have a picnic in the grass. With plenty of free space to explore, as well as affordable museums, shopping, and eateries, this area will be sure to please the entire family!

Physical activity is anything that gets you moving and raises your heart rate. Exerciseis any planned physical activity with thepurpose of gaining health benefits. As adults we usually plan our physical activity to stay healthy – but our kids usually get it in the form of play. Unfortunately, more and more schools are cutting down on the amount of time kids are allowed to play before, during, or after school. So, what does this mean for the parents out there who want to make sure their child is moving around enough during the day? You have probably wondered at some point: How much exercise is enough for my child so that they are healthy? Don’t worry! Here are a few guidelines to help you out!

Recommendations 
The American Heart Association recommends that children ages 2 and up get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day. This physical activity can even be split up into 15 or 30 minute increments throughout the day. No need to be caught up with the intensity of activity because brisk walking is considered moderate activity and running is enough to be considered vigorous.

The key to raising a healthy child is being able to establish these healthy physical activity habits early. Studies indicate that inactive children grow up to be inactive adults. Parents can help by being role models for their children by being active themselves. Make physical activity fun to increase participation – it can be anything your imagination can come up with!

Benefits of Being an Active Kid

• Promotes health & fitness into adulthood.
• Strong cardiovascular (heart) system.
• Strong muscles.
• Strong bones.
• Lower body fat%.
• Reduced risk of developing chronic disease (i.e. diabetes or hypertension).

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Sample Activities 

• Nature hike (collect different types of leaves or identify wildlife)
• Family relay
• Around the World (basketball)
• Boogie Boarding
• 2nd Recess!

​Works Cited 
“The AHA’s Recommendations for Physical Activity in Children.” The AHA’s Recommendations for Physical Activity in Children. 22 Mar. 2013. Web. 8 Sept. 2014.
“American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults.” American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults. 22 Mar. 2013. Web. 8 Sept. 2014.

We have all probably heard anecdotally that exercise is good for the brain. Well now, two Stanford researchers are out to prove just that. These researchers think that exercise stimulates your muscles to release a combination of different molecules that communicate with other cells, ultimately leading to positive changes in the brain.


Exercise may boost brain power.
If these researchers are successful, it could lead to changes in how the government and school districts view the role of physical education in the development of our children. One can only wish for a day when 60 minutes of physical activity per day is a norm in our schools!
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If you are interested in learning more, visit this link to the National Institute of Health. Remember, you can help your kids get their 60 minutes of physical activity by being creative and encouraging family exercise.

SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) - It’s never too early to start getting in shape for summer. Why not get your kids excited too?

2nd Recess is here to help for kids ages 5 and up. The after school running program introduces fun and fitness to kids through running.

Each practice consists of a thorough warmup, drills, and strides, followed by two workouts and a cooldown. The practice concludes with a talk on an inspirational topic as well as a healthy snack.

Do your kids already love running? Take them down to Petco Park on Sunday to participate in the San Diego Kids Race. The race is a closed-loop course inside the park. Interested in the race? Head here for tickets.
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2nd Recess founders, Natasha LaBeaud Anzures & Marco Anzures, along with some runners joined News 8 Morning Extra to talk about all things running.
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