Children need proper physical exercise
Children need proper physical exercise
By Hario Tilarso
JAKARTA (JP): Physical activity is a healthy way to happiness of both the young and the old.
Adults should follow some general rules when exercising. They pertain to the length and level of fatigue reached or the frequency of training in a week. Children's exercises can be conducted a little bit differently.
We all know that children have not developed physically or mentally and must not be regarded as small adults. Children's organs have not developed completely.
Children continue growing until they are 18 years old. Boys and girls follow a different growth pattern. Girls usually grow faster than boys, and at the age of 13 most girls experience a growth spurt. Boys catch up by the age of 15 or 16. According to sports scientists, the growing process can be stimulated by adequate physical exercise.
Research shows that active children develop better than inactive ones. Most teachers agree that physical activity is good for children because it helps them to mix with their friends.
Active, fit children concentrate better and this improves their ability to learn. Physical education at school or extra curricular programs are the main source of activity for Jakartan children.
A good coach can conduct an exercise program that all children love. Because children love to play, exercise should be in the form of a game. Games that involve almost all the muscles in the body are the best. The more muscles involved, the better the exercise.
The basic movements are running, jumping and throwing. These movements should be included in children's exercises. All the games should be designed so the children don't know that it is good for them.
Children can climb stairs or a rope ladder. This trains the leg and shoulder muscles. Jumping with both legs across a low obstacle trains the leg and also enhances balance. Playing catch with a friend works out their shoulder muscles. Throwing also improves accuracy.
If children exercise properly, their coordination will improve and they will be able to perform any kind of movement. Their motor skills will improve and it will be easy for them to do any kind of work.
Applying time constraints for children is not practical because they have enough energy to play as long as they desire. It is nearly impossible to tell a child to stop playing because their time is up. Usually they play until they don't have any strength or desire left.
Some active children can play a long time. Parents and teachers should be able to guide them so they exercise in the proper way and are not in danger. Older children, aged 10 to 12 years old, can play competitive sports. At this age, children can perform more intensive activities such as long distance running. The run should be no more than two kilometers, because running more than two kilometers can destroy the bone-growing plate and impede growth.
Basketball, volleyball and football can be introduced because these games are fun and also develop teamwork.
Swimming is very good because it is a non-impact activity that doesn't destroy the bones. Swimming also involves many muscles, including the chest, arms, abdomen, legs and back. Most children love to play in the water.
The key to successful training for children is enjoyment. Children must be happy doing the exercise, and this can be achieved by adjusting the program to the situation and the environment.
Strenuous and high performance exercises should be avoided because children are not ready for it. The International Federation of Sports Medicine has stated that specialization at an early age is not recommended. Parents are advised not to push their children to play high performance sports. If they do this, their children will lose out on playing time and this is not good for their mental development. These children will peak, but will lose interest in sport and quickly quit.
Parents, teachers and coaches must work together to train children properly and safely. Other experts, like psychologists or physicians, may sometimes be required to help.
Kids should benefit both physically and mentally from exercise.