It is no secret that we are in the age of the technology — if it has a screen and turns on, it usually will have a child attached to it (metaphorically speaking) LOL. I realize technology has its place in our world and with it constantly improving, I can see why it captures their attention. However, this doesn’t mean it has to impede on their overall health/well-being.
Rule of thumb when it comes to getting your child up & moving —
- capture their attention/keep their attention
- challenge them but don’t make it so hard where they lose interest
- children love independence, so teach them but then allow them to do the movement on their own
- make it fun. (what we find as fun as adults when exercising will be different than what most kids find fun) r
- keep the explanations short and sweet but to the point — they will get bored hearing you talk parents, LOL so the shorter the explanation, the easier it will be for them to want to follow instructions.
Children need both, bone strengthening & cardiorespiratory exercises. When I say “bone strengthening”, I mean like something simple like bodyweight exercises to begin with (pull -ups w/assistance if need be, push ups, squats, etc) basic exercises without weight until they understand form. Obviously, older teens can start using dumbbells, resistance bands, medicine balls — that are appropriate loads. When it comes to cardiovascular work, that is probably the easiest because all it requires is allowing them to run about, ride a bike, rollerblade, trail walking, basically anything that gets their HR up but keeps them involved and they are having fun. FUN, is the keyword, if they aren’t enjoying the activity, then they won’t want to continue & it will only make it easier for them to not put effort into whatever is being asked of them.
I always suggest to parents, to be involved in the activity as well – make it a fun competition, teach them things you learned at the gym and put them to the test, invite them to do your at-home workouts, suggest joining a team sport or individual sport, create small obstacle courses in the backyard or nearby park, call up a trainer like myself & have them take personal training sessions with you or on their own if they wish. There are many options and it doesn’t have to be expensive, or take up too much time, it can be for 45min to a hour everyday — be creative!
I love training youth, it is both fun and rewarding! I do sports specific workouts for my athletes, and I start with fundamentals for beginners to help boost their confidence, get to know their strengths and weaknesses, all the while I am stimulating them physically, I always add some mental stimulation with the exercise (get them thinking!) it is fun and yet again keeps their attention.
Do any of you parents have a hard time keeping your kids active? What are some activities you like doing to keep them active? Answer away in the comment section! INTERESTED IN YOUTH TRAINING? contact me for pricing and details!
Shay-lon
Be the best version of you 