For us Boston-based folks, it is amazing that the Reebok World Headquarters are in our area. I visited recently to learn more about an equally amazing program called BOKS Kids.

Can you imagine going to work everyday with your own Reebok store from which to shop?

An indoor basketall court for some b-ball between meetings?

Or a jog on the treadmill before your lunch break?

Where you are strongly encouraged to take the stairs?

What if there was evidence that physical activity actually helps exercise your mind?

What if this culture of physical performance and mental performance was in your workplace? Or better yet, your child’s workplace (aka school)?

With several studies, including one from the Harvard Medical School, stating that “exercise is the single most powerful tool that we have to optimize the function of our brains”, and that “students who exercised were able to increase their math scores by 16.5%”, it is powerful motivation to get moving.

BOKS is an initiative of the Reebok Foundation that was started by a few Massachusetts Moms. It is a one hour, before-school program that promotes the link between physical activity and improved academic performance. It runs two to three days a week that starts a fun warm-up game with a transition into running, some relay races or obstacle courses, and a skill. There are also classes about nutrition and smart food choices. The best thing is that you, or another parent, is the BOKS instructor! All you do is access the BOKS online portal and become an advocate. Then download and implement the BOKS program in your own community or school.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Disclosures: Images are my own. I did not receive compensation for this post, but did attend a hosted event and got two free t-shirts that I gave to my son and husband. {Word.}