Saturday, April 9, 2011

Is Your Child Ready for Aerobics?

By Travis Stephenson


Aerobics will benefit all age demographics. As an exercise, it's often by both teens and adults. Yet, it is never seen as a exercise good for children. There are youth aerobics classes out there, and it's always better to start children young. It will condition them for later life of health and exercise. Kids who start aerobics young benefit for many, many years to follow. It's also something any parent should seriously consider.

There are so many after-school programs to consider these days, so it is easy to overlook valid options. If you think of the physical benefits, early-age aerobics and dance help foster a better sense of balance and coordination. Plus, childhood obesity is increasing as a societal problem. Regular aerobics instruction - and exercise in general - can not only help a kid become more fit, but it can shape healthy attitudes to come.

You really have to sift through all the options to find classes, though. Unless the class is "special instruction," it will not be labeled. You will have to dig. Still, the results often speak for themselves. Kids in dance or aerobics courses learn valuable self-esteem lessons, as well as a greater sense of self discipline. Kids also learn and maintain a better sense of balance and coordination. With childhood obesity becoming a societal epidemic, aerobics classes can become one of many tools to affect change.

Youth aerobics courses are often mimic basic dance instruction. The children are taught foundational exercises and stretching, and the atmosphere tries to remain child-friendly and kid focused. In short, the goal is to make exercise "fun," and not something dreary imposed on them by adults. The focus tends to be more on creative freedom. This includes cool down points and "free time" where children can play and "discover" in a guided learning atmosphere. At this particular point in their life, they do not need drill instructors.

Aerobics is a great way for your kids to get in a good amount of playtime in a structured manner. It is a great way to exercise their hearts and lungs rather than sitting on the couch in front of the TV or a video game all day.




About the Author:



No comments: