
Strength training helps you build muscle, lose fat and speeds up your metabolism. For each extra pound of muscle your body burns 60 or more calories. Whereas low-intensity cardiovascular activity will burn calories while you perform the activity strength training builds the muscle that will burn calories long after you are done working out.
If you don't believe me, think of the difference in body composition of a sprinter vs. a marathoner. The sprinter is usually bulging with muscle even though his event last for less than 20-30 seconds while the marathoner is not very muscular.

Strength training does not need to be in the form of conventional weightlifting, but can rather come from body weight exercises. These body weight exercises such as squats, push ups, lunges, and pullups are very important in building coordination and strength. They can be done by kids of any age and unlike weight lifting, they will not put undue pressure on the joints of growing children.
ABCs for Fitness founded by Dr. David Katz of Yale University outlines a simple way to involve strength training in the classroom throughout the school day. Using short activity bursts of 5-6 minutes, ABCs for Fitness teaches kids functional movements that you do every day- squat, lunge, etc while helping kids be active, burn off restlessness and have fun while doing it. Not only does it help kid get through the school day but it helps teachers use up idle time throughout the school day and quell behaviorial issues that may come from boredom or restlessness. Try ABCs for Fitness in your class!
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