There is no doubt youth fitness training improves strength and endurance, but packing on some muscle will probably happen too. This could help a lot of skinny, weak kids that are looking to improve the way they look and feel. Everyone is sitting and moving less these days! Kids should have fun playing games and moving freely while improving their body composition, motor skills, and coordination. And how about those positive social effects as our youth move around exercising and playing with one another. Doesn't every kid want to have a friend and buddy? It sounds like a win-win situation.
Remember those concerns about how we were going to damage the growth plates when kids lifted weights? Those outdated beliefs are all but debunked and so are stunting their growth and possible muscle injuries. The key is to provide well-designed and well-supervised exercise programs for our youth. When supportive practices are used strength training benefits and minimal risk of injury become very apparent. It doesn't have to be complicated to provide a great environment for our sons and daughters to develop their bodies and create great learning experiences for them.
Here is a list of general recommendations that provide safe and effective youth strength training practices:
Make sure your son and daughter is working with a qualified (professionally certified) fitness professionalHave a program designed with your child's cognitive development, physical maturity, and training experience taken into considerationMake sure the training or playing environment is safe and free of hazards....in other words...make some space available.Engage your youth in 5-10 minutes of dynamic warm-up (play) prior to any strengthening exercises or fun movements2-3 days of training (play) sessions are plenty while taking days off in between8-12 exercises which strengthen the entire body are very effectiveIf weightlifting, 8-15 reps (about 60% of maximum resistance) will provide great results in the beginningFocus should be on correct exercise technique and safe training procedures instead of heavy weights initiallyThrow in some balance and coordination exercises that are zany and challengingImplement more advanced and challenging exercises and fun that enhance power production when your daughter or son is ready
There is no minimum age requirement for youth training, but most experts agree age seven or eight is a general guideline. One of the most important practices to provide our youth though is a well supervised program of strength training. When we provide the guidance and support to young people, the physical activity help develops the body in a very healthy and nurturing way. The possibility of injury is minimized and our children learn a great habit at a very young age that will bring benefit to them for their entire lives. Just remember to have fun, play hard, and laugh with your child every day. Good things will happen.
Marin health and fitness expert, John Spongberg is the founder of Personal Training in Marin as well as an accomplished author, speaker and life coach. He is dedicated to helping people reach their optimum level of fitness, health and body satisfaction through a unique, comprehensive whole-person approach, customized to each client.
If you're ready, you can reach Mr. Spongberg at (415) 891-8787 or visit his website at http://www.personaltraininginmarin.com/ where you can download your free copy of his special health and fitness report, The Truth About Losing Weight.
No comments:
Post a Comment