Athlete of the Month – Pat’s Gym is excited to announce its athlete for September 2018. This athlete of the month is unique, but we wanted to recognize the students at Madison Country Day School (“MCDS”), who participate in the Strength Program that Pat Gilles and Pat’s Gym put on for MCDS.
MCDS has a vibrant athletic program. Pat Gilles approached their athletic director to help them excel in the sports in which they compete. Pat offered to create a strength program to help the students excel and remain injury-free.
In addition to the physical benefits of the Strength Program, scientific-based studies show that there is a positive correlation between students who are physically active and their performance in school. In addition, exposing children to fitness and nutrition at a young age helps them develop healthy habits that will follow them into adulthood. Further, physically active children are less likely to be depressed compared to those who are more sedentary. As with adults, physical activity also helps children effectively deal with stress in their lives.
The Strength Program is focused on kids in the lower school to help with coordination, balance, throwing, technique, kicking and swinging. At the upper school, the program focuses on strength, power and power endurance that are appropriate for different sports to ensure that the students are ready for their sports of interest. Additionally, the focus is on avoiding injuries and correcting imbalances that can come with doing a specific sport.
The Pat’s Gym/MCDS relationship is proving to be very popular with our families and students. Students and MCDS families have seen the benefits of this program. We also encourage the parents to work out with their kids and be role models to inspire them. When working out as a family, it draws the family together, especially as the family and its members encounter tough situations.
