HOHENFELS, Germany -- The Hohenfels Child, Youth and School Services is taking fitness to the next level with the introduction of the award-winning HOPSports training program at the School Age Services (SAS) gym in building 112.
HOPSports training systems uses digital technology and celebrity trainers to immerse children in an interactive educational experience that focuses on a healthy and active lifestyle.
"We are such an obese country," said Brad Schmid, SAS director. "This program is a way for us to get our kids active and help them understand the importance of physical exercise."
Mentioned by Michelle Obama in her address to the National Governor's Association on child obesity, the HOPSports program is currently featured in over 800 sites around the globe. An estimated 2.5 million children a week are exposed to the system which offers programs appropriate for preschoolers to high school seniors.
"Every activity we do, adults can do as well," said Schmid. "For instance, there's a cardio-kickboxing one that is pretty intense."
"Sometimes when the parents come to pick up their kids, they'll join in," said Jamee Carpenter, SAS Homework Lab Tech. "We had a hip-hop program last week, and a couple of parents came in and danced with us."
SAS unveiled the system Jan. 3 with a program presented by the same Hollywood stuntman who taught Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom their swashbuckling moves in the wildly successful "Pirates of the Caribbean" film franchise. The first level concentrated on footwork with children following along on numbered floor mats. At the end of the session, a sea monster appeared, and participants practiced their moves by dodging its attacks.
"It's a lot of fun," said second-grader Logan Bach. "But, I think I got eaten by the dragon."
"It takes them a while to learn the basics," Carpenter said, "but then they really enjoy it. I mean, when else are they going to have the opportunity to learn fencing, or tap dancing, or martial arts'"
Currently SAS is running the system twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. Program presenters include top athletes in the NFL and NBA, as well as Hollywood celebrities.
"I think it's wonderful," said Spc. Jennifer Bach as she picked up her son. "Physical exercise is extremely important, and especially now with this weather, I think it's great that they can come and do this here."
Plans are in the works to partner with the Hohenfels Elementary and Middle/High School as well as the Child Development Center to expose as many children as possible to the program, Schmid said.
"In March, our plan is to get a community wide fitness night where we invite the whole community to come with their kids and do HOPSports in our gym once a week," said Schmid.
The individual programs run about 15 minutes and have multiple levels to keep the children engaged and to keep things challenging.
"Anything longer and you start losing their attention," said Carpenter. "Our goal is to do 3 different programs each night. We do a little of this, and a little of that, see which ones they like the best."
"It's cool to do different things," said fourth-grader Colton Carnes.
More than just an exercise program, Carpenter said the programs stress health, safety, and discipline.
"They're learning how to be teammates, friends, and partners while their exercising," said Carpenter.
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