What to Look for When Kids Workout

Parents often look for their child to participate in "working out" for various reasons, become strong, loose weight, stay in shape during the off-season, and medical reasons just to name a few. What is the best way for a child to participate in exercise?

First of all, check to make sure the program the child is going to be doing is designed and supervised by a qualified, appropriately certified individual, who undestands how to train and teach, not coach, young kids and athletes. Those with a Youth Fitness Specialist certification through the International Youth Strength and Conditioning Association are leading the way in youth fitness and athletic development.

Secondly, the program and training needs to be safe! Not just in the workout. It means that the program and training contains aspects that pertain to the long-term development of the child. For example, much of our entire body is working to assist, synergize, stabilize, the prime muscle movers of these pillars of movements. Brian Grasso, founder of the International Youth Conditioning Association, preaches the fact that machines provide support, but doesn’t allow for stability in 3 planes of movement; machines are pre-set for resistance, which enhance biomechanical dysfunction; machines are pre-guided, which movement in sport and life are not. As also stated by youth fitness guru Brian Grasso, machines make it very difficult to train the body unilateral, one side at a time. In addition, machines don’t allow for rotation, most of our core musculature (85%) is oriented diagonal or horizontal. At STRIDES and the PVYSFI we follow these recommendations.

Thirdly, it needs to be fun! There are some many things kids can do today, and to keep them intrigued, in my mind, and I think in the kids mind, fun needs to be a part of it. The Wii fit and other interactive games such as Dance Dance Reveloution are fun however, yet, at times lack the socialization, team work, cooperation aspects needed in everyday life. The training program a child participates in should not underestimate the importance and value of basic 'games' such as tag, tug of war and single leg tug of war, and relay races to name a few.

When members of the youth population are being trainined a functional approach is most beneficial. This approach allows for the body to really understand how to work as a large unit versus isolate which is what happens with machines. A well qualified, certified trainer who can teach appropriate training techniques that are appropriate for the biological age of the child, and can make it fun, is the best way for a child to participate in exercise.

In Sport and Health,

Len Haggerty, MA, CSCS, YFS
Pioneer Valley Youth Sport and Fitness Institute

Coaches of Youth Sport

I remember growing up and always looking up to my coaches, at all levels. They taught me fundamentals and technical skills of the game, appropriate sportsmanship, how to play or work with people I didn't know or didn't care for, and they taught me a lot of life skills.

It takes a special person to coach, most coaches, certainly at the youth levels are volunteers. If were not for the volunteers many kids may not have the opportunity to play. Volunteer coaches use their own free time to learn and study the game, coach the appropriate skills, keep playing time fair, handle the athletes, guide the parents, promote the fundraising, and the list goes on.

When it comes to thinking about the well-being of the youth athlete, some coaches stay their distance from discussing nutrition, injury prevention, and weight training. Maybe some coaches don't feel it is their responsibility, some don't have the time, some are not familiar with the proper guidelines, however, some coaches do make the effort to find the correct resources to help athletes better their athletic well-being.

In the last 3 weeks, I have spoke with 5 coaches of youth sport teams reaching out for opportunities to better the well-being of their athletes. They see the incidence of injuries rising. They see athletes who just want to be better. They see how the scope of athletic preparation has evolved (oh, it certainly has).

Coaches, you reach out to many people. You are the "go to" for parents, you are the "go to" for athletes. There are many ways to help those who look up to you. There are simple, time efficient, and low cost ways to better the well-being of your athletes. Ask yourself, "What imprint do I want to leave on my athletes?"

For ideas, "done for you" programs, and other resources, please contact me!

In Sport and Health,

Len
www.youthsportsfitness.com