Television may be the answer to childhood obesity. Although getting rid of the bicycle or soccer net isn't advised, new Comcast On Demand programming will offer a library of easy-to-learn exercise videos for kids.
Paul Pierce and his "Truth on Health" Campaign has partnered with Comcast and Comcast SportsNet to provide children with five-to-seven minute episodes that teach effective, safe and age-appropriate workout routines.
The library of videos is accessible through Comcast's Celtics On Demand. Comcast SportsNet will also show a 90-second routine teaser each week on Celtics Now, hosted by Michael Holley every Thursday at 8 p.m.
The Celtics Now clip will feature Pierce demonstrating different routines such as the "Celtics Pride Workout," which is jumping jacks every time a C's player makes a basket, assist, rebound, etc; "Commercial Cardio," which is basic calisthenics during commercial breaks, or basic basketball drills coined "Rock, Jock & Clock."
The Celtics’ captain has worked to promote healthy lifestyles among youths, especially through "Truth on Health." His initiative engages children by offering them rewards for becoming more physically fit through challenges, recipes, exercise routines, resources and information. Members pledge to exercise 60 minutes a day and eat healthy foods.
A main component of the Pierce’s Truth on Health initiative is FitClub34 from Harvard Pilgrim. The Web site will have all the exercise videos as well as information about Pierce's own workout, diet tips and healthy meal ideas. Kids can sign up for FitClub34 from Harvard Pilgrim here.
"My goal with FitClub34 from Harvard Pilgrim is to inspire and motivate young people to be fit and to have fun at the same time," said Pierce. "The more I learn about the rise of childhood obesity the more I feel compelled to do what I can to help make an impact, and Comcast and Comcast SportsNet are giving us the tools to do just that. I'm excited to work with them to put together fun, entertaining videos that will showcase ways to be healthy while having fun. It is important to know that you can be active without being the best athlete."
The videos will be regularly updated and can be found under "Paul Pierce's FitClub34," accessible through Celtics On Demand.
