As a parent, it can seem as if your kids are either asleep or in constant motion. Children tend to be more flexible than adults but are still susceptible to injury. In fact, children are more susceptible to bone fractures because their bones are more flexible, softer as they continue to grow. Warm-up games can help children prevent injuries.
Why Games
Incorporating the warm-up into a game format helps kids engage in the activity. Children who are guided through static stretches may not find them fun and thus not perform them properly. Some yoga classes for children structure the poses and positions for different age groups depending on the capabilities of kids. It isn't about understanding the benefits or history of the exercise; it's about developing a passion for healthy living through fun activities that kids want to repeat.
Dynamic Stretches
Whether your child is going out to play soccer, tennis, baseball or any other sport, warm-up routines need to mimic the activities in the sport. ACE Fitness states that dynamic stretches using motions in the sport is the proper way to help children warm-up. Dynamic stretching uses a continuous movement rather than gradual lengthening done in static stretching. Arm circles and arm swings prepare muscles for a tennis serve or throwing a baseball. Hip swivels warm-up the trunk, which is imperative for any activity involving running, twisting and bending.
Making It a Game
Many parents and coaches treat stretching with children in the same manner as they do themselves. Instead of requesting hip swivels and arm circles, tell the kids to swim around the room. Give them hula hoops with music playing to mimic hip swivels. Kids on a tennis court warming-up for practice can have competitive relay races retrieving balls from various lines on the court and returning them to the racket. Use creativity to take the mundane warm-up routine and make it a game that children look forward to doing.
Considerations
Children with asthma should use a warm up routine to ease into the sports activity. If asthma symptoms appear contained during the warm up, chiuldren can play with more confidence. Cold-weather and endurance sports are likely to be more challenging for kids with asthma. This shouldn't be a deterrent if your pediatrician approves the activity. Proper training, including appropriate warm-up routines, may help children with asthma enjoy many sports that once were off limits.
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