Health and Wellbeing Advice
Active Kids
November 16 2011,
by Paul Pearce, STARplex Fitness Centre Manager
There are many theories as to why this generation of children are less active. Whatever the reason, the number of overweight Australian children has doubled in recent years. This sets a dangerous health precedent for our future!
Keeping kids active is challenging. Technological advances means kids are becoming addicted to computer entertainment like “gaming.”
While organised team sports are still popular, recreational physical activity for kids has declined. Rarely do you see groups of kids playing cricket in a street on a given day.
The key to getting kids interested in exercise is making fitness fun! It is important to develop coordination and balance, as well as improving their strength and flexibility.
From 4 years upwards activities such as relays, camping, games and obstacle courses build confidence and keep them interested whilst maintaining the “fun” element. Through these programs kids find new friends and learn through simple exercise cues to encourage cooperation and teamwork, in a circuit style class.
For kids 9 years and older, the emphasis should still be on fun but exercises can be more challenging. Exercise integrating movement and utilising bodyweight strength, as well as running, gets kids fitter for all sports! Beyond 12 years of age children really need to improve all aspects of their fitness (cardiovascular and strength) as well as learn proper technique (injury prevention).
Using the energy of music and lighting makes the gym a “cool” place to train where the kids come first. Make sure you select a fitness centre which has specialised programs supervised by qualified fitness trainers where no class is ever the same.
Can you imagine your teen enjoying their level of fitness to the extent where they say something like “I love going to the gym and working out - it’s so much fun?”
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