Exercise is a vital component of any child’s development—laying the foundations for a healthy life.
For kids, exercise means playing and being physically active. Parents should encourage their kids to do a variety of activities.
Useful Tips:
- Exercise for kids should be fun. Instead of “working out,” think of it as “exercise play.”
- Provide emotional support to your kids. It is especially important during challenging or stressful times. You are the number one source of emotional support for your children in sport. They need someone to turn to. Emotional support must be unconditional and not dependent on how well you think your child may be playing or competing.
- Take the time to get to know and understand your child’s interests. Observe your child at play, ask open-ended questions and listen when your child shares her dreams.
- Avoid judging your children’s choices. When kids feel judged by their parents, they feel rejected by the people who are supposed to love them the most.
- Allow your child to choose activities that appeal to them and that are age appropriate.
Exercise 4
Begin in flying pose with your kid on your feet, then bend your elbows letting her lean forward towards you. Ask her to bend her knees, join her feet and lift them up towards the ceiling.
If she is afraid, tell her “You look like an upside- down little frog “!
Βαρβάρα Σολομωνίδου,Wellness Specialist, Personal Trainer,Εισηγήτρια Σεμιναρίων & Συνεδρίων, Pilates Master Trainer του συστήματος “AthensTrainers® Ultimate Pilates System®”, Member Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), Member of European Lifestyle Medicine Organization (ELMO), DNAFit® Certified Trainer, General Manager & Owner της Εταιρείας AthensTrainers®
Models: Foteini Alexopoulou, Personal Trainer & our little friend Niki
Photos: Kostas Kapareliotis
Source: The Body Magazine