Most kids won’t show an interest lift weights. Instead, he encourages body of the road. Some local laws mandate
in structured fitness or sports until the weight resistance exercises like squats, helmets.
sixth or seventh grade, and some never pushups or pullups to build strength. Swimming – The American
do, Brehm continues. Children ages 5 Academy of Pediatrics recommends
to 8 can begin a team sport, as long as
Fun Ways to Get a Move on
swimming lessons for children ages 4
the focus is on fun, rather than winning. and up, although classes are available
This age group is more susceptible to
Once we get kids excited about fitness,
for babies and toddlers, as well.
injury as they develop physical coordi-
chances are, they’ll keep moving for the
Basketball – Develops hand-eye
nation, so it’s vital to set boundaries.
rest of their lives. Here is a rundown of
coordination and teamwork. Children
Once children reach middle school,
10 fun ways to get kids going, as rec-
younger than 7 can use a smaller foam
open doors for them to discover activi-
ommended by the American Council
or rubber ball and a lower basket.
ties of interest and encourage experi-
on Exercise.
Obstacle Course – These chal-
mentation. Team sports improve physi-
Soccer – Promotes agility, stam-
lenge kids to use a variety of skills. Park
cal coordination and endurance. The
ina and teamwork. Requires protective
playground equipment and jump ropes,
whole family can play Frisbee, walk,
gear.
balls, inflatables and cones make it
bike and skate together.
Martial Arts – Multiple forms im-
happen.
prove strength, coordination and mental
Dancing – Any style, from ballet
discipline. Proper training and equip-
Fun First, Progress Follows
to hip-hop, encourages children’s cre-
ment to prevent injury are essential.
Scott Cole, fitness expert and star of the
Bicycling
ative expression and the joy of moving
– Experts suggest riding
best-selling video Abs of Steel, works
their bodies freely. They can also get a
only on sidewalks and paths until the
as a personal trainer for overweight
good aerobic workout dancing in the
child is 10 years old, shows good rid-
kids. He also travels with his Get Fit
privacy of their own room.
ing skills and is able to follow the rules
America program to schools, teaching
Board Sports – Kids love to be
T’ai chi and yoga, aiming to build body
on a board, whether it’s snowboarding
awareness and self-esteem in kids from
in the winter, surfing in the summer or
kindergarten through sixth grade.
skateboarding year-round. Injury risk,
His approach to kids’ fitness is
however, is higher for these sports. For
relaxed and intuitive. “My goal is
both snowboarding and skateboarding,
to excite them by tapping into their
kids need to wear helmets and an adult
interests,” he says. “These kids have a
should always accompany surfers and
chance to reverse the obesity trend. My
boogie-boarders.
desire is to teach kids to make healthy
Jumping Rope – Jumping rope,
choices for themselves, not to view
still a favorite on playgrounds, chal-
fitness as someone shaking their finger,
lenges coordination and stamina.
telling them they should do this.
Skating – Ice-skating, inline-
I’m not a scale watcher,” Cole
skating and hockey can be both fun and
remarks. “I think that puts pressure on
safe, using appropriate protective gear.
kids. Progress is a given if they’re stick-
ing with it because they like it.”
Weights Debate Jennifer Soule
The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that weight training not
be undertaken until after puberty and
when bone growth is complete. How-
ever, Brehm notes that she has worked
with sixth-graders who enjoyed using
weight machines at the gym and did so
safely. She does stress the importance of
using the proper-sized equipment under
supervision and with extreme caution.
“If they hit a growth spurt, their muscles
and joints are a little more vulnerable
to injuries,” Brehm counsels, “so they
may need to cut back on how much
they’re doing.”
Cole doesn’t recommend that kids
January 2009 25
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