Fitness Hints When Working With Children

Fitness Training for Youth The key to working with children is making the exercises fun. Think of ways to incorporate games into their training. Instead of running in place or on a treadmill play tag, dance to a popular song or have an obstacle course. If you are doing squats tell the children they are Sumo wrestlers and have them make funny grunting sounds. Planks can be done facing a partner and giving a high five. With movement you increase the chance of injury. Never assume the child understands exactly what to do. Always be aware of potential dangers before starting any activity. Visually show and verbally warn children of the high-risk or off-limit areas. If hazards can be removed, do so; when not, they need to be marked off with cones or lines. Exercise bands on the ground are a great line maker. When doing movement activities with several children it helps to have a signal (whistle/hand clap) to immediately stop. Let them know that when the whistle blows or the light blinks they are to stop moving. One way to practice this is to have children move slowly around the play area and when the stop motion signal is given they freeze like a statue. Praising the child who was quick to freeze also is an incentive for others to do the same. Freezing can also be an exercise: dead bug, stand on one foot, plank, etc. Children also love awards. Make your own awards or receive fitness awards by logging onto www.presidentschallenge.org . The children will have their personal activity log for every activity from bike riding to squats. When they reach a designated level they can apply for various awards. Again, the key is fun! Susan Tracey Author, “Fun Fitness Training For Kids”