By Jasmin Waldmann
I’m sometimes asked what can be done to tackle the problem of rising obesity in children. Parents also want to know when is the earliest that children can start working out.
All healthy children should move and indulge in physical activity. They can do a lot to remain fit. They could play badminton or tennis, jog, play cricket and football, enjoy bicycling etc. This is true for children below the age of 12.
However, playing is not the same as working out. When we talk of intense workouts, it is advisable for children to start at the age of 16, not before that. Most gyms, too, forbid under 16-children to work out in the gym. There’s a good reason why: The skeleton, till that age, is still in the process of building up.
From 12 years onwards, I advise frequent and planned workouts for cardiovascular system and strength-endurance. This means they could do, under supervision, any kind of cardio training and also lift light weights. As to what is light is something that a child can decide for himself. What is important is for the parents to listen to the child, and not let him exhaust himself. It is good to have some resting period in between the workout. This helps the process of recovery. If your child says at any point that he doesn’t want to work out, listen to him. He will need to learn to listen to his body, as the body tells him exactly when it is time to take a break.
I also suggest that parents should not ‘outsource’ all the physical activities for the kids. Why not bring the family together, or create father-son, father-daughter, mother-daughter, mother-son fitness activities? A client of mine does that with his three sons, spending time with them separately. Other than the obvious fitness benefits, it creates a wonderful bonding experience for the father and the sons. I would highly advise everyone to do this frequently, e.g. once a week for two to three hours. This will help your children stay healthy. It’s good for the children’s mind too. Movement creates happiness; this is true for both adults and children. When you exercise, endorphins or happiness hormones are released and you feel cheerful afterwards. And if this is done with someone you love and care for, the effects on the mind and body are even better.
Jasmin Waldmann is an international Mind & Body Transformation Expert. She is the author of the book ‘Change Me’. Visit www.jasminwaldmann.com to know more. Book available on amazon.
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