Lifetime Fitness for the Young Child

Every adult in a child’s life has the possibility to make a positive difference in that young person’s life. This positive influence can be felt in a variety of ways. Most important, make sports and fitness activities fun.

Specialization of sports should not begin until adolescence. Allow a child to have the opportunity to try as many kinds of athletic activities as he shows an interest. Keep the environment of fitness safe and exciting. Find out the reason for the child’s desire to be involved in the activity. Is it to play with his friends or to develop in a particular sport or activity? Winning should not be the result of competing in sports. There should be more focus on skill development rather than on perfect performance.

Teaching children proper form is also essential. It is more important to do a skill a few times correctly than to have incorrect form for many repetitions. Take small steps in order to achieve success. Every child should have an opportunity to play in every game. Children should have a chance to take lessons and perfect skills such as throwing, catching, and hitting. This can be in a session with an experienced coach or trainer in a private or group session just a few times a week.

Be understanding of other events happening in a child’s life. Overtraining is inevitable with the forced pressure of homework, other social commitments, and sports. Helping children not burn out on an activity will provide them with a love of sports and fitness in the future.

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Christina Chapan

Christina Lee Steele Chapan is a certified personal trainer with four certifications from ISSA ACE, AFAA and SCW. She specializes with fitness for children and those adults and children with special needs. In addition to attaining her certifications, she is also a certified elementary and special education school teacher with a B.S. in Elementary Education, a minor in Biblical Studies from North Central University, an endorsement in Special Education, and an M.A. in Curriculum and Development from Governors State University. Her passion is for training the future of tomorrow. She is available for training, speaking and writing.

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