How Fitness Professionals Are Failing Our Youth

As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, personal trainer, and last but not least, mom, I know a lot about kids.  I understand their growth and development, I know how to teach an exercise correctly, and I know how to safely help a child maintain a healthy weight. All of this may not seem like a big deal, but the lack of useful information out there for parents is alarming. Try typing “kids fitness, NJ” in a google search.  What comes up is not very impressive –maybe some “speed schools” (even for six year olds). I even found a link to a program that uses machine based circuit training for kids!  We’re not even doing that for adults, how fun or effective is it going to be for children?

By now, we’ve all read the alarming articles and have seen the statistics.  Obesity affects more than 30% of all children.  Is the solution to enroll your child in a local speed school?  Should you sign your child up with the personal trainer that promises to help your child lose weight?

The answer is to stop training kids like mini adults or the next professional athlete. Yes, there are some (not many) children who are just so talented that they make it to the professional level. However, they are still children and fitness should still be fun. According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, 75% of children quit all sports by the age of twelve.  This also correlates to the time when most children become overweight.  Why do they quit? Often they quit because the sport becomes too competitive, and/or they do not get enough playing time.  Most often they quit because it simply stops becoming fun.

What is a parent to do?

1.      Let your child try many different sports and activities.

2.      If you’re child shows an aptitude for a specific sport at an early age, encourage and support them.  However, be sure to encourage your child to try many different sports to allow for full athletic development.

3.      Do physical activity together as a family.  Go for a hike, bike ride, play a game of wiffle ball, just get moving!  It is important for the child to see you engaging in exercise.  You are the role model!

4.      If you’re child is overweight, seek the help of a qualified expert. Be wary of fitness professionals who tell you they can help your child lose a lot of weight. This is not safe. Your fitness professional should be following the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines on pediatric obesity.

If you would like to increase the activity level of your child or have questions related to this topic, please e-mail me at mail@rethinkfitness.net.

Melissa Walker, RN, MSN, PNP

ProGrade Nutrition