Creator/Director of Johns Hopkins Hospital Youth Obesity Fitness Program Targets Georgia Youth with AYM -- Aerobics, ...
Creator/Director of Johns Hopkins Hospital Youth Obesity Fitness Program Targets Georgia Youth with AYM -- Aerobics, Yoga, and More...Newest "Green" Wellness Studio Calls Gwinnett Home
Beginning July 5, Gwinnett youth will have the opportunity to "go green" with dance and fitness. Althea Lawton-Thompson, Creator and Director of the Johns Hopkins Hospital youth obesity fitness program in Baltimore, Maryland has set her sights on fighting youth obesity in Georgia and is slated to open an innovative dance and fitness studio - AYM (Aerobics, Yoga, and More) at 4051 Stone Mountain Highway in Lilburn this summer.
Thompson, who has worked with John Hopkins since 2003, is using her evidence-based formula to develop a one stop wellness shop fit for the entire family - kids, parents and grandparents. While the Family Wellness program at AYM is certainly a priority of this fitness visionary, Thompson is armed to join in the fight to help youth overcome obesity by offering a Kidfit Camp (July 7-11, 14-18, 21-25 & 28) that incorporates fun and fitness.
Consequently, Thompson's approach to youth fitness includes:
Creating team inspired age-appropriate activities that challenge and improve motor skills while being fun for participants.
Not billing offerings as a "fitness" or "exercise" program to the kids - but as a fun social activity.
Utilizing and customizing innovations such as Wii games, for example Dance Dance Revolution; team drills with balls, hoops and bands; circuit drills; and mind-body activities like Yoga and Pilates
AYM is not just for kids, but also for the kids-and-fit-at-heart and Thompson takes pride in being focused on not just the fat but also the facts. AYM's Family Wellness program is evidence and research-based
-- and comprehensive. Weight and body measurements are taken upon start of the program, monitored, and taken at the end of the program. A health history, in addition to a lifestyle and eating analysis, is completed at the program's beginning and end. In addition, participants can expect to have blood pressure monitored by an onsite registered nurse, who will also review health information, and a dietician will also be available to discuss food choices and preparation.
Moreover, Thompson has also set her sights on improving the quality of health and living for baby boomers and has designed a joint immobility program - a program many fitness outlets do not presently offer.
Thompson has designed classes for those suffering from joint replacements, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other joint and muscle disorders. Low impact movement, chair Yoga, and chair aerobics are just a few of the course offerings available.
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