Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend children and adolescents "should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day." The activity can range from playing outside with friends, playing sports, participating in gym class, or some other type of organized activity. When training children, or putting them through some sort of organized training keep in mind that the activity and the way to train children is different than training adults, and that as an adult it is your responsibility to train them knowledgeably, and of course it should be a fun experience.
Activity
The CDC advises aerobic activity to include vigorous-intensity activity at least three days per week. Muscle strengthening activities, such as gymnastics or bodyweight training (such as push-ups, sit-ups and air squats) should be incorporated three days per week as part of the one hour or more daily requirement. The CDC suggests bone strengthening activities "such as jumping rope or running, at least three days per week."
Instructing Children
A new evolution of training gears its concepts specifically to kids. CrossFit Kids encompasses functional training that is fun and challenging, targeting the aerobic and strength conditioning requirements suggested by the CDC. Nichole Dehart, a CrossFit Kids trainer states children "need to be instructed in a way that makes sense to their developing perspective on the world. And, they need challenges." On one hand you need to be able to communicate with kids on their level and be their friend, but on the other, you should be their role model; an intelligent, fun and healthy trainer and individual they can trust.
Responsibility
Training children and adolescents is very different than training adults. Jeff Martin, of CrossFit Kids, comments "unlike with my adult clients, who are responsible for making informed choices, it is not a child's or teenager's job to monitor my input and direction." Martin states that it is his responsibility to set boundaries, guidelines and instruct children in a way they will understand. He is also accountable for the fact that they are relying on him to make their decisions about their health and fitness.
Make it Enjoyable
According to Jeff Martin of CrossFit Kids, "making things fun for kids is the most important part of the program." Martin says "if children are enjoying themselves, it's going to be far easier to get them hooked on a valuable program that will benefit them physically, socially, mentally and emotionally." Martin also shares that when he trains kids he always includes a game before they leave. The games are fun, interactive, but they are still moving and being active. The more fun children have, the more they will want to do it, which helps them develop healthy habits for later on in life.
Be positive and energetic. Children will feed off of your energy, and it would be better if that energy was positive not negative.
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