CircusFit: What is CircusFit?

Program Overview

Click here to learn how to use the CircusFit^SM Program and to preview Lesson Plans and Visuals.

WHY CircusFit^SM?

U.S. health officials have identified a new epidemic impacting the youth of America – it is childhood obesity and inactivity and the number of children affected is staggering. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of children and adolescents who are defined as overweight has more than doubled in the past 20 years. If this trend continues, overweight children are more inclined to be prone to a host of weight-related illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease in adulthood. More info.

CircusFit^SM MOTIVATES KIDS TO MOVE!

The spectacular circus performers at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® are also accomplished athletes who need to be in top physical condition, making them ideal “real life” role models who can encourage young people to be active and fit. Through the CircusFit Program, the Ringling Bros. acrobats, clowns, high wire and trapeze artists, and many of our other performer-athletes help show youth an awe-inspiring and action-packed approach to health and fitness – motivating them to get up and move with games and activities that are more play than work.

CircusFit^SM IS EASY TO IMPLEMENT

Ringling Bros. CircusFit Program provides educators, youth group leaders and parents with an easy-to-follow, flexible structure. A variety of implementation options can be customized to a wide range of group sizes, funding or scheduling constraints – whether your group meets once a day, or once a week. Each CircusFit Lesson takes about 20 minutes and lesson tools can be made with readily available materials, such as plastic drink bottles or jump ropes. Once youth discover the FUNdamentals of fitness, they are likely to get active and develop a genuine fitness habit!

HOW TO USE CircusFit^SM

The CircusFit Program is structured as five learning Modules. Use the Modules sequentially, or pick and choose the individual Lessons and complementary interactive video- and print-stimulated activities that fit your schedule. CircusFit Lessons combine educational health and science information with physical movement and exercise so that you can integrate fitness into almost any curriculum or time frame. Each Lesson also features a CircusFit character and “Word of the Day,” allowing you to incorporate character education and vocabulary building with fitness development.