More than ever in the history of childhood, kids are moving less and eating… well, let’s be honest… crap. Drinks loaded with sugar, and snacks with additives and preservatives that are impossible to pronounce. And believe me, I know how hard it is for parents to control this. My sister is very health conscious, but my nephew still manages to overeat and get his hands on foods that are terrible for him between school, friends’ houses and eating out. You aren’t 100% to blame because “crap” food is easily accessible. In all honesty, some of it shouldn’t even be considered food.
We are living in truly scary times when it comes to our children’s health – especially when experts have predicted that this will be the first ever generation in human history of children who will not live longer lives than their parents.
With that being said, massive action needs to be taken early to create the positive habits of exercising and eating healthy. On top of that, there is a unique window of opportunity for children between the ages of 6-12 to capitalize on their abilities and develop their muscles, tendons, ligaments, cardiovascular system, nervous system, immune system, speed, coordination, agility etc., to the maximum capacity. This will be vital for optimal health and strength, it will impact sports performance and they will carry the benefits with them for the rest of their lives. If children miss this window of opportunity to develop their bodies it will be lost FOREVER and we may have a generation of weak, frail, unhealthy people – even worse than we are currently witnessing.
It would be in yours and your children’s best interest, to get them involved early on – preferably between the ages of 6 to 12 – in a fitness program that is design specifically to not only develop all those things I mentioned above, but to help develop the brain and assist in detoxification. Science and research shows that coordination and stability training helps to improve the speed of thought, which can help with problem solving and transfer directly to school work and success in life. In addition, activating the cardiovascular system will assist in processing harmful chemicals and funneling them out of the brain and tissues of the body.
OK, those are just a few benefits. I totally forgot to mention that it will stave off diseases like diabetes and obesity, as well as increase confidence and self-esteem.
Times have definitely changed. Things are not like they used to be, when the only option was playing outside all day, and with the massive increase in childhood obesity and early onset diabetes, we are at a point where fitness is a necessity just like brushing your teeth and taking a shower as I have mentioned in previous articles.
The first steps in finding a program would be looking for experts in the field of personal training with a proven fitness program. Nowadays, you can find places that have group training for kids that is fun and productive towards the goals stated above and can assist in creating healthy habits early on. Don’t hesitate to invest in your child’s health, take advantage of the “window of opportunity” now, because it will pay massive dividends for you and your child now and in the future.
