When you’re teaching your child to stay fit by enrolling her in some form of exercise, you probably know already that there are a good number of “traditional” sports to enroll her in — soccer, baseball, hockey, basketball, football, and so on. The exact sports offered usually vary depending on your region, but you’re probably familiar with all of them. Within the last decade, however, a trend has swept through children’s exercise… the very same trend that has changed adult exercise programs. More “new age” exercise is being taught to kids these days, who appreciate just as much as their parents the physical and mental benefits.
Yoga
One of the most popular “new” types of exercise is yoga. It’s a great form of cardiovascular exercise, tones your child’s muscles, and helps her stay mentally energetic. This exercise originated long ago in India, but many people in the West these days are taking just the physical and mental practices, while others live an entire lifestyle around it. Your child can learn yoga through a community centre like a YMCA or YWCA, a yoga studio, a private instructor, or through self-study. If she really likes yoga after self-study and wants to continue, it is advisable to learn from a teacher, however. You can find many tips on learning yoga online — perhaps you and your child can even learn yoga together.
Pilates
Another rediscovered form of exercise, pilates originated as a system to rehabilitate injured soldiers. It is another great way to exercise and tone muscles, stay mentally energetic, and improve flexibility. Pilates is designed to not increase muscle bulk, making it especially popular with girls and those who have to worry about their weight, like dancers, actors, and gymnasts. With a simple mat and some training (either in person with an instructor or by self-study), your child can improve her health and stay fit, both mentally and physically.
Kickboxing
This form of exercise has its roots in an ancient form of exercise, but was developed in the modern era by karate competitors. A particularly challenging form of exercise, this is probably not a good choice if your child hasn’t exercised in a while. It’s a very good form of cardiovascular exercise for the fitter child, however! Your child can try this out at home, and if she likes it, there are kickboxing classes springing up in fitness centers across the continent. The key to succeeding in kickboxing is to wear comfortable clothing, start slow, and keep it up for a period of time.
If your child is bored with the “usual” forms of exercise, team sports and leagues, and doesn’t like walking or biking, she might just take a shine to one of these three forms of exercise. Any or all of them will help her tone her body, improve her mental and emotional health, and have fun at the same time! One of the best gifts you can give your child is a love for her body and knowledge of how to keep it healthy for the rest of her life.
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Tags: New Age Exercise Kids