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Building Kids' Fitness, Self-Esteem

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 31, 2009

Variety is the key to success when it comes to working out, and the Tampa Bay area offers an amazing mix of fitness trainers and exercise programs.

Still, we know it can be intimidating to try something unfamiliar, especially if you don't know anything about the person who's leading the program. 4you is here to help, with the 411 on area trainers and their specialties, so you're not starting from scratch.

Name: Stacy McKay

Age: 42

Land location: Tampa

Web home: www.fitbymckay.com

Fitness specialty: Mental fitness and fitness and/or empowerment for kids using motivational coaching and health and fitness to help kids build positive self-esteem, self-awareness and confidence.

Best activity in your workouts: Cooperative games such as "Jump Up Wave." Kids get in a circle; a designated person jumps up from a squatting position and back down; the next person follows with the same motions; and so on in a "waving" motion.

Favorite phrase to bark to motivate: No barking, but ask kids to recall their vision of a healthy lifestyle or how they felt about themselves the last time they really gave it their all. Focus on this sense of accomplishment.

Best activity to tone/burn calories: Walk as much as possible. Forget getting the closest parking space to the gym or mall entrance; get some fresh air and walk a little farther. Take the dog for an extra or longer walk one day - they will love it!

Junk food you find hardest to avoid: Chocolate. To satisfy that after-dinner craving, I make a cup of sugar-free cocoa.

Want to share a little insider info on a specific workout being offered locally? Contact Mary Shedden at (813) 259-7365 or mshedden@tampatrib.com.

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