Pediatric fitness: Helping children develop healthy habits

The UW Health Pediatric Fitness Clinic helps children and teens between the ages of 5-18 who have concerns about their health, fitness or weight gain. Working with the entire family, we will look at exercise habits, diet and family health history to put together a plan for making healthier lifestyle choices.

First visit

The first appointment includes:

• A health exam to evaluate medical status

• Body composition scan, to measure a child's muscle, bone and fat

• Exercise to track fitness levels and set goals

• Nutrition consult to review diet and set healthy balanced eating goals.

Follow up

After a plan is given, follow up visits are coordinated by our care team, the patient and their family. Depending on the care plan, return visits may be scheduled every 1-2 months to monitor progress closely and review goals, or every 6-12 months for program maintenance and fitness testing.

After school exercise program

Clinic patients are encouraged to join the after school monitored exercise program that is held at the sports medicine exercise lab or indoor pool. Individualized exercise programs are give to each child with group activities held at the end of each session.

Scheduling an appointment

To refer a patient or schedule an appointment for your child, call (608) 263-5210.

Parents interested in the program should contact their insurance provider for benefit information prior to scheduling the first appointment. If your insurance company requires a referral for this visit, please ask your child’s doctor to submit a referral electronically or via fax. If they have any questions, they can call (608) 263-5210.

The pediatric fitness team is dedicated to helping families live active, healthy lives. At this clinic, you will have access to doctors, exercise physiologists, nurses, registered dietitians and clinical nutritionists.