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why is hydration important?

4/15/2019

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H2OHHHHH YEAAAAAAA!
“EVERYONE TAKE A WATER BREAK!” This phrase will sound quite familiar to those involved in 2nd Recess. Many know that water is beneficial in keeping us hydrated on hot days and refreshed after long workouts, but practice is not the only time you should be taking a water break.

In fact, According to the American Council of Exercise (2008) water is the most vital component of the human body. Water is a powerful tool in the journey to overall health and well-being.

What can water do for me?
  • Water regulates body temperature
  • Water cushions and protects vital organs
  • Water aids in digestion
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Additionally, water makes up over HALF of the human body – meaning it is impossible to survive for longer than a week without it (American Council of Education, 2008).

So how much should I be drinking? 
In 2004, the Food and Nutrition Board released new recommendations for water intake, stating that women should consume 2.7 liters daily, while men should consume 3.7 liters. Athletes require even MORE to stay energized and hydrated (American Counsel of Education, 2008).

It might seem like there are not enough hours in the day for this type of intake. Luckily this water intake can be consumed through both foods and liquids during the course of a day.

But it does not taste like anything! 
There is a simply solution for those who like their water with a bit more flavor. Although there are plenty of products and powders available to flavor water, many add unnecessary sugars and/or preservatives.

Try this instead: Try infusing your water with natural flavors. (Lemon/strawberry/cucumber/orange). The possibilities are endless. Not only are you adding natural flavors to your water, but you are also adding vitamins and antioxidants (BONUS!) For more about infused water (including recipes and FAQ visit http://www.infusedwaters.com/faq

Now that you know the importance of water, along with ways in which you can make this more fun to drink, you can begin to “take a water break!” both on and off the track!

References
Fit Facts: Healthy Hydration. (2008). Retrieved February 25, 2016, from https://www.acefitness.org/fitfacts/pdfs/fitfacts/itemid_173.pdf
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the power of a positive mindset

4/8/2019

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“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
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fun outdoor family activities!

4/3/2019

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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!
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pushups at 2nd recess for improved running

2/21/2019

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The infamous question… Upon becoming a 2nd Recess Coach, I was thrilled to see the incorporation of cross training through activities such as “Circuits” and “Pick-Your-Poison”. However, it did not take long before questions began to arise.

“Hey Coach – Why are we doing pushups at running club?”

“I do not need sit-ups to run fast!”

Although these are seemingly logical questions as the children are not improving upon their strides while holding a “plank-position” it is important for every age to understand the benefits of cross-training for the improvement of their running and overall health and well-being.

Before pursuing the benefits of Cross-Training it is important to understand what exactly this is:

As defined by ACE (American Counsel of Exercise) – Cross Training involves an exercise regimen that utilizes several modes of training (sit-ups, push-ups, swimming) to develop additional components of fitness.
Benefits include but are not limited to the following:
  • Reduced Risk of Injury – Cross training builds specific muscles utilized while running and in every-day activities. By strengthening these muscles, you are much less susceptible to an injury that could prevent or reduce your progress toward specific running or general health and wellness goals
  • Improve Total Fitness – By cross training, you are allowing your body to adapt to various physical movements. By combining both endurance and strength your body will adapt more readily to any given task, allowing you to expand upon your fitness goals
  • Variety – One of the most common reasons people stop partaking in exercise regimens is that they become bored with the monotony. Cross Training is a simple way to switch up your exercise routine while continuously improving. Cross training does not have to take the form of push-ups or sit-ups. This can also take the form of swimming, hiking, biking, or other leisurely and family-friendly activities.

​Resources:
Matthews, J. (2009, September 2). What is cross training and why is it important? Retrieved May 5, 2016, from http://www.acefitness.org/acefit/healthy-living-article/60/36/what-is-cross-training-and-why-is-it/


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How much sleep is good for kids?

2/13/2019

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Better health is as easy as 1, 2, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Many adults look back at their childhood days, confused about how they could have ever fussed about laying down for a much needed night’s rest.

With hectic schedules and multiple extracurricular and scholastic obligations, it is more important than ever for both parents and their children to ensure that they are receiving adequate sleep each night so that they may perform optimally mentally, emotionally, and physically. Sleep is connected directly to the hormonal response of the body. Therefore, inadequate sleep could lead to health issues and concerns such as obesity. Lack of sleep can also effect cognitive functions needed to perform adequately in school.
So How Much Sleep is “Enough” Sleep? 
The answer is highly debated. The number of hours that each person needs in order to function optimally depends largely upon the age, gender, and activity level of the individual Therefore, instead of providing strict guidelines, I will provide some tools for getting the most out of your “good-night’s rest”
  • Turn off Technology: Many children and adults have grown accustomed to staring at their phone and/or tablet for hours prior to falling asleep. Although this may seem like a practical, and relaxing way to turn-in for the night, research has shown that looking at such devices prior to sleep can actually disrupt sleep quality and leave persons feeling lethargic the following day.
  • Promote “Quiet Time” before bed: Begin to “wind-down” approximately an hour before bed. Turn off all electronics, and partake in relaxing activities (stretching, taking a shower, reading a book). This will help the body, and the mind to relax, promoting a smoother transition into a deep sleep
  • Set a Routine: Decide how many hours you would like to get each night. Depending upon you work-load for the evening, beginning preparing for bed, getting into a state of relaxation and turning off or silencing electronics approximately an hour before your predetermined bedtime. Do this each night, and eventually this will be a set routine. Slowly increase or decrease the duration of the hours spent sleeping depending upon how you feel in the morning.
Try these simply suggestions, and find out what a full night of sleep can do for you!

References:
  • Matricciani, L. A., Olds, T. S., Blunden, S., Rigney, G., & Williams, M. T. (2012). Never enough sleep: a brief history of sleep recommendations for children. Pediatrics, 129(3), 548-556.
  • Vargo, K. (2014, December 4). Sleep: The Foundation for Fueling your Brain and Body. Retrieved May 25, 2016, from http://www.acefitness.org/acefit/healthy-living-article/60/5205/sleep-the-foundation-for-fueling-your-brain-and/
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