Answers (8)
1
Sorry, I do not mean to be disrespectful: it is a sad sign that this is even a question. Children should move and play as much as they want, at whatever age they are. The problem should be how to get them to sit still (but that problem has been solved brilliantly with an avalanche of hand-held devices).
1
Depending upon the need for child (i.e., weight loss, sport specific, etc) will depend on the answer. If the child is young and the parent is wanting the child to loss weight than I would recommend some type of basic activities as we did when we were younger or getting the child involved in some type of sport/activity that will get the child active. In addition, the parent might need to make a lifestyle changes as well, being that parents are most childrens role model and lead by example.
As in sports specific training, this should be done under proper supervision and by a youth training specialist. An article pubished by the National Strength and Conditioning Association recommends that children be at least 13 years old before starting a weight lifting regimen due to the injury concerns that have occured with children below the age of 13.
As in sports specific training, this should be done under proper supervision and by a youth training specialist. An article pubished by the National Strength and Conditioning Association recommends that children be at least 13 years old before starting a weight lifting regimen due to the injury concerns that have occured with children below the age of 13.
1
From birth! I think children can learn a lot from their parents. If a parent incorporates exercise into their daily living, then children will want to as well. It will be as natural to them as breathing. It doesn't have to be a structured program. Walk with your child, go hiking, play tag at the park, throw a ball around, etc. Show that exercise can be fun! All children should be getting in some activity, every day. And if your gym has a family day or kids center, encourage them to join you for a workout. My kids love challenging their dad and I to a push-up contest. They love mimicing us lifting weights (they use water bottles right now). Parents and adults need to be the example. And it should begin at birth!....Actually based on the latest studies now, it should be prenatal even!
0
I guess one can look at your question, Kathleen, from a different
I, personally, know of overzealous parents who impose their love of EXERCISING on their children when it is not what the children want.
Children don't need an introduction to play. There are some children who play in a rambunctious manner and other children who are more low-key; children who love playing with Legos and other children who prefer a different type of activity.
I believe instead of introducing exercise, it might be a better idea to introduce habits that encourage adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes engaging in regular physical activity.
As an example, in Italy, everyday Italians go out for a walk before dinner and many walk after dinner during the warmer months. The custom for many Italians is to bring their children to the park after school so that they can play.
If the parents set a good example by engaging in regular physical activity, the children will likely copy.
Thank you for your question.
I, personally, know of overzealous parents who impose their love of EXERCISING on their children when it is not what the children want.
Children don't need an introduction to play. There are some children who play in a rambunctious manner and other children who are more low-key; children who love playing with Legos and other children who prefer a different type of activity.
I believe instead of introducing exercise, it might be a better idea to introduce habits that encourage adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes engaging in regular physical activity.
As an example, in Italy, everyday Italians go out for a walk before dinner and many walk after dinner during the warmer months. The custom for many Italians is to bring their children to the park after school so that they can play.
If the parents set a good example by engaging in regular physical activity, the children will likely copy.
Thank you for your question.
0
As a Youth Conditioning Specialist, I strongly promote "activity" for the younger children as opposed to structured exercise. With so many kids lacking any consistent physical activity, the first step is just to get them moving. Even when working with very young athletes, my focus is on getting them to "exercise" within the parameters of "having fun" and playing. As they get older, and we can then start to look at more specific exercising to help them continue to develop.
In my opinion, "playing" as exercise is way too underrated in today's society. Get our young kids out there moving, and the question of "when should they start exercising" will be a question of the past.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
In my opinion, "playing" as exercise is way too underrated in today's society. Get our young kids out there moving, and the question of "when should they start exercising" will be a question of the past.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
0
Forget the exercise, have the appreciate moving first. Children are becoming sedentary at a younger age and you expect them to go from sitting and laying 20 hours a day to exercising? Not to mention just become someone exercises does not makes them an active individual. Appreciate the moving -> Then move to exercise.
Fuel the Movement,
JM
Fuel the Movement,
JM
0
There's a difference between teaching them to keep moving and with building a habit of exercise.
I teach tap and jazz to kids 5-9 and trust me when I say that moving is not their problem! What I want them to learn is that they can have fun and exercise at the same time (plus a little hard work). It's the same when I coach cheerleaders. I push the cheerleaders harder because they have competition but they always know there is a reason for what they do.
I believe everyone has an athlete within and I just like to encourage kids to get out there and do something fun!
I teach tap and jazz to kids 5-9 and trust me when I say that moving is not their problem! What I want them to learn is that they can have fun and exercise at the same time (plus a little hard work). It's the same when I coach cheerleaders. I push the cheerleaders harder because they have competition but they always know there is a reason for what they do.
I believe everyone has an athlete within and I just like to encourage kids to get out there and do something fun!
