What is Stretch-n-Grow?

Stretch-n-Grow is a comprehensive fitness program for kids. We are committed to helping parents and children establish a foundation of exercise and proper nutrition at an early age, before habits gel. The Stretch-n-Grow program teaches children the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle. With weekly emphasis on exercise and good food choices, our extensive curriculum covers virtually every wellness issue...self-esteem, safety, hygiene, and environmental issues are just a few examples of our discussion topics. Classes are taught by Stretch-n-Grow coaches who make exercising, "EXERciting!!" Since 1992, hundreds of thousands of children across the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Guatemala, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain and the United Kingdom have participated in the Stretch-n-Grow Fitness Program!!

Why Kids Need to Stretch-n-Grow

Obesity is increasing rapidly throughout the United States. In 1993, 12 states had obesity prevalence rates between 15 percent and 19 percent, and no states had rates at or above 20 percent. By 2003, 15 states had obesity prevalence rates between 15 percent and 19 percent, 31 states had rates between 20 percent and 24 percent, and four states had rates at or above 25 percent. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003)

At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week is the recommended minimum. However, nearly 23 percent of children and nearly 40 percent of adults get no free-time physical activity at all. (National Center for Health Statistics, 2001)

Obesity-associated annual hospital costs for children more than tripled between 1979 and 1999. (Wang G. Dietz, Pediatrics 2002)

More kids than ever are overweight or obese - about 16%. That's 4 times as many as 20 years ago. (Robert Eckel, President of American Heart Assoc., October 2005)

Approximately 30.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are overweight and 15.3 percent are obese. For adolescents (ages 12 to 19), 30.4 percent are overweight and 15.5 percent are obese. (American Obesity Association, Obesity Fact Sheet, 2002)

Nine million children and adolescents are overweight today. These children have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. (President Bill Clinton, addressing the National Governor's Association, February 2006)

Childhood obesity is particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start kids on the path to health problems that were once confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. (Mayo Clinic, March 2006)

Overweight has doubled among preschool age children over the past two decades. The increase in body weight is associated more with lack of physical activity than with poor food choices. According to its recent surveys, the AAP recommends that age appropriate exercise begin at the preschool level. (American Academy of Pediatrics, July 1997)

Television, video entertainment, motorized transportation, fast food, and a lack of regular exercise contribute to the poor physical condition of our society. (Office of the Surgeon General, 1996 Report on Physical Activity and Health)

Regular physical activity is linked to a wide array of physical and mental health advantages. (American Medical Association, Feb. 1995)

40% of twelve year old children display heart disease risk factors (i.e., obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and inactivity). (American Heart Association, 1994)

Children involved in regular exercise earn better grades and have better social skills than those who are not. (American Psychological Association, 1996)

85% of all five year old children in the United States cannot pass a basic physical fitness test. (Senate Committee on Children, 1992)

'Cause we love Stretch-n-Grow !!! (Hundreds of thousands of healthy, happy Stretch-n-Grow Stars since 1992!!)

What is Stretch-n-Grow?

Why Kids Need to Stretch-n-Grow

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