It's back-to-school-time and My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Pasadena is launching its fall program this month with more activities and more fun to keep kids active in the colder months of the year.

My Gym Director Emma Howes says children tend to get less active and less focused when the weather gets cold and My Gym's new fall program gives them a chance to not only meet new friends but also get moving with fun activities and exercises. My Gym is located at 839 S. Arroyo Pkwy.

"It's natural for anyone to get more sedentary when the weather turns cold and the skies turn gray," Howes said.

"And it's the same for children, so that's why we're offering not only new classes but also an emphasis on having fun."

This fall children will experience non-competitive games, such as the My Gym obstacle course, do gymnastics, including the balance-beam-like hot dog apparatus and a music-laden calisthenics class filled with catchy tunes and tons of fun.

"We try to show the children that getting active is really fun especially when you mix exercises with music and lots of TLC," she said.

Some may not think of "fitness" in terms of young kids and toddlers, but in the first few years of life, parents can start laying the groundwork for their child to lead an active lifestyle down the road, Howes said.

Two and three year olds are learning to master basic movements like walking, running, kicking, and throwing. Kids this age are naturally active, so give your child lots of opportunities to practice and build on these skills. By encouraging your child to engage in active play, you are helping your child to be physically fit now and in the future.

By the time children are 4 and 5 years old, they have mastered many basic movement skills, such as running and jumping, and have plenty of energy to put those skills to good use. During these years they will continue to refine their movement skills and build on the basics to learn more complex tasks.

Take advantage of your child's natural tendency to be active. By encouraging your child to participate in physical activities in these early years, you are setting the stage so that your child leads a fit and healthy lifestyle now and down the road.

For more information My Gym is at (626) 441.7800 and online at www.mygym.com .