SET THE BAR FOR AN ACTIVE LIFE WITH YOUR KIDS

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

Some parents can’t wait to put a ball at their toddler’s feet. Others are content to let their children discover physical activities on their own. Either way, most kids will show some athletic interest as they grow. When that day comes, parents will play a pivotal role in what happens next.

Long before kids are confronted with organized sports, moms and dads can help them build a physical foundation for an active life. Once they’re walking and running, kicking a ball is a natural next step. Then it’s on to pedaling a bike.

“Just concentrate on getting their bodies moving and making sure it’s something that’s fun,” says Maddie Grace, a National Academy of Sports Medicine master trainer who works at Life Time in Apex and also works with clients privately. “When they’re really young, they’re not going to follow strict guidelines.”

With toddlers and preschool children, keep an eye on the activities that interest them. Even before they begin an organized sport, look for less-structured activities like tumbling, dancing, swimming, throwing and catching. Most recreational sports leagues for children begin around age 6–7. That allows parents plenty of time to help children gain strength and coordination. A playground is a great place to start.

“I’m a big fan of pullups,” Grace says. “If you can get a kid to play on the monkey bars, have them try to do pullups with you. Even if you can’t do a pullup, just do a dead hang and see who can hang the longest, just keeping your posture upright.”

Grace suggests using sidewalk chalk for more than just outdoor artwork. Draw an agility ladder on the driveway and make up drills together. Stepping in and out of the squares quickly in different combinations is a great way to build coordination, not to mention keep Mom and Dad moving. Even if you never played an organized sport, you can help set an example for physical development with your own workout routine.

“Kids are totally fine to join Mom and Dad for home workouts at 9 or 10 years old,” Grace says. “That is completely safe. Don’t take it super seriously. You want to concentrate on good form. I would advise keeping it at a 15–20 minute workout. We’re doing it to create a habit for the rest of your life to maintain a healthy body.”

Even small weights can be worked into informal activities. “Kids can handle weights,” says Grace, who is in her seventh year as a trainer. “They’re doing a lot of jumping, hanging and pulling. That is, in fact, weight training. Your child is doing that all the time. They can handle picking up some 5-pound weights and doing squats or bicep curls. They’ve already progressed past that point.”