Man on a mission to beat childhood obesity

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 1, 2010

He’s a man on a mission – a mission to fight childhood obesity and increase a child’s self-confidence.

Robert Johnson, owner of Robert’s Body Shop Family Fitness, said he’s made it his goal to help children alter their eating habits and exercise.

“I get calls on a daily basis from parents wanting me to work with their children,” he said. “I thought it would be better to get children together in a group. The more involved in it, the more fun it would be. They wouldn’t want to miss a workout.”

Johnson’s solution – to offer a 30-minute workout at local schools called Community Project Fit Kids.

“I want children to understand why they should work out,” he said. “I’m reaching out to all kids. I want them to be healthy and have self confidence.”

Johnson said he’ll work with children to have a workout plan and teach them to eat properly.

“Every child will get a health screening, which includes measuring BMI (body mass index), body fat, weight and inches,” he said. “They’ll also bring to me what they eat – the good, the bad and the ugly. I’ll teach them what to substitute for a better choice of what to eat.”

Johnson said childhood obesity is a growing problem, and he just wants to help children live a healthy life.

So far, Johnson has only one school committed to his Community Project Fit Kids – Straughn Middle School, and said he hopes to begin working with those students in the coming weeks.

The camp will cost $32 a month and will consist of two classes a week for four weeks.

“After the camp is over, they are welcome to become members of the gym,” he said.

“I’ll guide them and this will give them the keys for success. I want them to take it seriously.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the Community Project Fit Kids can call Johnson at 804-4621, e-mail him at fit@robfitpro.com or visit his Web site at robfitpro.com.