MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif -- Semper Fit is teaching children fitness awareness at the "Kid Fit" program from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the aerobics room at the Station Fitness Center. The program is designed to give children a good attitude about health and exercise.

"If a child is in a fitness frame of mind when they're young, chances are it will follow on through to adulthood," said Laurie Lund, Kid Fit program leader.

To ensure that the fitness education is enjoyable, the Kid Fit program leaders make it fun with relays, games and upbeat dance music. The children understand the program's importance and rave about it.

"The intent of this class is to teach children a love of exercise while encouraging creativity and freedom of movement in a team atmosphere," said Kelley Sitar, Kid Fit program director.

"I like this class because it's fun, and I'll be healthy forever," said Tierra Adams, 7, Kid Fit participant.

"It's just fun.  I really liked crab walking because I never did that before, and the push-ups were good so I could practice and get stronger," said Isidro V. Raymundo Jr., 9, Kid Fit participant.

All of the children seem to have a positive relationship with each other.

"I like Kid Fit cause we get to do the funnest exercises and make new friends," said Jason Santos, 7, Kid Fit participant.

The class also teaches children how to respect each other. 

At the end of the class, to calm them down, the Kid Fit leaders have each child say something encouraging about the class.  Children comment on the games, but mostly about each other.

"Occasionally there's somebody who'll pick up on the shy one and point them out, they'll say something like "I like the way that person did that particular exercise,'" said Lund.  "It's good because it builds them up and boosts their ego."

"It's just a good way to teach children that exercise can be fun, and hopefully they'll keep the right attitude about health and fitness as they grow older," said Lisa Griswold, Kit Fit leader.

For more information on this or any other health or fitness programs contact the Semper Fit Center 577-1702.