One of the exciting pieces of equipment available for children.

The problem of child obesity in Malta has been highlighted in various studies in the last decade, with one report last year claiming that Maltese 10- to 11-year-olds are the second fattest on earth.

Such news sends shockwaves across the community and health and education authorities have taken several measures to increase awareness on the importance of a healthy lifestyle for our children. Yet progress has been slow coming.

“Year after year, we are faced with the same results, so we can deduct that the strategy is not delivering,” says Alan Pace, director of operations at children’s gym Spinach Fitness.

In his opinion, the problem cannot be resolved by emphasising the importance of physical activity alone, but by targeting eating habits as well.

“Quite often we make the mistake that to treat obesity in children; we need to get them to practice sports more often. You don’t send an obese adult to play football to lose weight! Losing weight is a gradual change that requires commitment to a healthy diet and controlled exercise.”

Mr Pace attributes the “ever-growing obesity epidemic” to a sedentary lifestyle. Spending too much time watching TV has long been blamed for this trend, but nowadays the problem has been exacerbated by the use of computers and tablets from a young age.

“It is well known and deeply researched that the more television children watch, the larger their waistline and the less muscle strength and fitness levels they exhibit as they grow up. Watching TV or playing on tablets are sedentary activities which take time away from other more physically demanding things.”

Parents have, of course, a primarily role to play in all this and they have to lead by example.

In order to motivate children, it is necessary to combine fitness with fun. They should be encouraged to move, run and jump, and carry out activities they love to do frequently. Other important elements are “change, adaptability and surprise”.

“We have to remember that we are dealing with children and children lose interest and focus easily,” Mr Pace says.

It is with these factors in mind that the fitness expert set up Spinach Fitness. It is the first facility of its kind on our island and also one of the first in the world. It utilises special equipment designed for children and is approved by the World Health Organisation.

“It does not simply have downsized versions of adult equipment. The facility is set up around children – it’s colourful, clean and safe. Attention was also given to changing rooms and toilets, and we have very strict rules for members as well.”

The facility targets all ages and starts with programmes for children as young as three. It is split in sections according to age groups: six to eight, eight to 13 and 13 to 16. It has lately added a fully-equipped exercise area for adults, so it now caters for all the family. There are also group exercise sessions for children in the above age groups.

Parents have given very positive feedback.

“Some say we have solved their problem as now they can have some great quality time with their children and enjoy a healthy lifestyle,” Mr Pace claims.

Spinach Fitness also holds programmes together with Special Olympics Malta for intellectually disabled children.

Its latest addition is an orientation visit for schoolchildren as an introduction to the world of health and fitness. The two-hour programme includes nutrition games, motor skills and the use of gym equipment.

“We strongly believe that this is the way forward to start a revolution in the way we approach the lack of physical activity in schoolchildren,” Mr Pace asserts.

His team has created a weight-loss programme, amiably called We Shrunk the Kids. It is directed at children of all ages and is delivered in a fun way through one-on-one coaching.

“Like all our programmes, WSTK aims at instilling in the child a love for fitness, proper nutrition and physical activity. When we achieve this, the child will be geared at reducing weight with a long-term approach.”

Tips for parents

• Choose the right activities for your child’s age: if you don’t, the child may become bored or frustrated.

• Give them plenty of opportunity to be active. Kids need parents to make activity easy by providing equipment and taking them to playgrounds and other active spots.

• Keep the focus on fun: kids will not do something they do not enjoy.

• Note your child’s effort and praise it: these good feelings often make kids want to continue the activity and try others.

• Last but not least: exercise yourself!