Every good parent aspires to be responsible for the upbringing of a healthy, fit, potentially athletic child. But when is a good time to start? Too early could cause permanent damage? Too late and they won’t be interested?
The truth is, that it’s never too early to start exercising. But first we have to look at what exercising is. It isn’t always running and jumping and lifting heavy weights. Exercising can be as simple as walking, throwing, anything that involves movement and gets the heart beating faster than when at rest.
Kids love to throw things and run around and it is important that every parent encourages this to develop fundamental skills for when they grow up and become more able physically.
Lifting weights definitely shouldn’t be done until you are fully developed in terms of bone mass and this is usually around the age of 16/17 although if done correctly, weight training can be introduced earlier. A good rule of thumb is don’t lift weights until the age of 16. Bodyweight exercises such as push ups, pull ups and squats can and should be done prior to stepping foot in a gym, as these are fundamental movements and skills that not only set the foundations for weight training, but also allow you to function more optimally as a human being.
Cardio can be done as an child and there are many children that do run regularly and some even competitively. There is a technique to running so as long as this is implemented correctly then running is no problem.
At the end of the day, a healthy nation is the goal, so as long as the next generation are active and regularly raising their heart rate, then that’s all that matters. Enjoyment and Exercise is the way forward.
Charlie Kirk Fitness 