As a parent and strength coach it is sad that I notice kids today are more unfit and uncoordinated than ever. High School PE teachers are noticing increased rates of injuries in their classes, not because the sessions have changed a great deal from previous generations, but because many kids now lack basic coordination skills. PE is in danger of becoming another aspect of the school system to be ‘dumbed’ down in order to meet lowering standards. It doesn’t have to be this way!
Take these points into consideration to maximise your child’s physical development:
- 90% of your grip strength and co-ordination is developed by the time you are 12 – Yes 12 – so playing a multitude of grip sports when you are young is extremely beneficial.
- Running, jumping, throwing and swimming are the key movement patterns to develop as kids.
- All martial arts are great at developing co-ordination, whilst judo is also fantastic for grip strength.
- Modified resistance training for kids is not only safe, but extremely beneficial (when supervised by an experienced coach).
- For babies and toddlers avoid using baby bouncers or supported strollers. It’s important at this age for the child to develop full awareness of their surroundings in an unsupported state.
I think an important one gaining traction these days is less structured footwear. That means much more flexible outsoles with greater room in the toebox for feet to move around.
physical activity is synonymous with education.
Reebok is starting BOKS, a program in public schools to get kids active before the start of their school day. Check out the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olL9feaX-Fg
Very true. Even though they don’t look very stylish, I do all of my sprint training using vibrams. Perhaps Messr Staple is working on a stylish version right now…
You need to do a post about Fish Oil / Omega-3 now…