Helping Children Find Their Fitness Niche

(CARLSBAD, CA) - Introducing children to a wide variety of individual, team, competitive and non-competitive athletics has big pay offs. Youngsters who sample an assortment of exercise activities are more likely to find one or several that truly appeal to them. In addition, individuals who become active at a young age tend to make the transition to lifelong exercise more successfully.

The odds of being active as an adult was 3.5 times greater among people who had participated in an organized sport as a child, according to research reported in “Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.” And there are many fitness options beyond organized sports that children readily embrace as well.

Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise CEO, says that with runaway obesity and all its related health problems plaguing the U.S., adults need to step up and become active role models prepared to guide children to new exercise experiences. Not only will it impact our national health, children who engage in regular exercise tend to have higher self-esteem, greater acceptance of their bodies (positive body image), and are less likely to suffer from depression. According to a study published in “Psychosomatic Medicine,” higher levels of physical activity at the start of seventh grade were associated with lower levels of depression.

Girls often need special encouragement as their activity levels drop significantly in adolescence. Helping them find enjoyable ways to exercise has tremendous influence on their participation, weight management and body image.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some great options:

— Gymnastics. A wonderful “romper room” sport for toddlers, gymnastics provides the freedom to jump, tumble, spin and flip in a safe environment. At this stage it is non-competitive and develops balance, strength, agility, speed and grace, skills that can translate to virtually any sport in the future. Of course, those who wish to can pursue gymnastics competitively into their teens and twenties.

— Dance and dance exercise. Like gymnastics, dance is a wonderful starter sport, teaching many of the same physical skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. Dance exercise is a wonderful option for adolescents and teens who love to dance but don’t relish the emphasis on technique found in traditional dance classes for those age groups.

— Swimming. Initiated as a safety measure by many parents, swimming lessons can open the door to a lifetime love of water sports. Many schools, community parks and recreation programs offer everything from beginning lessons to competitive swim teams.

— Team sports. From baseball to softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, hockey, and lacrosse, children can try a variety of team sports through local parks and recreation programs. In the early stages the emphasis should be on learning basic skills, working as a team and, most importantly, having fun.

— Running or bicycling. While all children run and bike in spurts as youngsters, as adolescents they can sustain the activities for longer periods of time. Family jogs or bike rides can become a highlight of summer days. The sense of accomplishment found in traveling several miles is highly motivating and may become a launching pad for competition for some.

— Yoga and Pilates. Great options for children who shy away from competition, yoga and Pilates classes build strength, flexibility, body awareness and overall fitness. These workouts are also a great supplement to other sports and are great lifelong activities.

The best way to encourage physical activity is to start when children are young, participate with them, and set a good example. Most kids just enjoy being active, so you don’t need a formal program to get started.  Simply put on some fun music and jump around your family room.  Try the following giant jumping jacks to work up a sweat.

Stand with your feet together, and your arms at your sides.  Bend your knees, keeping your chest lifted and your back straight.    Jump up high and land with your arms and legs out wide to the side.  Push off and jump, bringing your feet back together.  Repeat 10 to 20 times, trying to do big, giant jumps to challenge your legs and get your heart beating. 

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 6,800 instructors teaching 30,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com