Shellie Pfohl is Executive Director of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (@FitnessGov). She is responsible for developing the vision, strategy, and goals of the Council in consultation with its members, and directing the organization's daily operations. In addition, she leads the Council's efforts to support First Lady Michelle Obama's national Let's Move! (@letsmove) initiative aimed at solving the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation.

Prior to joining the Council, Shellie served as Senior Vice President of Partnerships for HOPSports, Inc. where she created strategic partnerships with state, national, and international organizations and corporations seeking health and physical education resources for schools and community organizations. Shellie also co-founded and served as Executive Director of Be Active North Carolina, a nonprofit organization that works statewide to increase physical activity among North Carolina citizens.

Pfohl says here that parents play a critical role in setting the tone early in their children's lives as far as how they view sports and physical activity. Neither should be be used as punishment, nor should either be withheld as punishment.

Whether parents simply play with their kids in the park or help guide them in organized youth sports, keeping it fun and positive is the best way to keep kids on a track toward healthy lifestyles.