fitness for teenagers: how to introduce a teenager to sports and at the same time not quarrel with a parent

Benefits of playing sports

Organized sports will help a child grow in many ways. Various types of sports activities give children the opportunity to:

• learn and master sports skills;
• communicate with the team;
• challenge yourself in a safe environment;
• learn the value of exercise and competition challenges.

And, on top of that, sports provide children with an opportunity for active recreation.
Training will leave less time for the child to watch television. TV and children playing sports don't mix.

But before you enroll your children in a sport, consider each child's age, personality and abilities to ensure that participation in sports is a positive experience for everyone.

To get the most out of any sport, children need certain basic skills. And some of these skills depend on the age of the child. If the readiness to acquire them has not yet matured, children may become upset and further desire to engage in sports will disappear.

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Choosing a sports section depending on age

For each sport, there is an optimal age from which it is best to enroll a child in a sports section, so that he can quickly reveal his abilities and talent , but at the same time do not harm his still fragile body.

Some coaches do not accept a particular sport at all until the child has reached a certain age, or, on the contrary, do not accept because the child has already grown beyond the age when a sports foundation (mastering technical skills).

• 6 years (sports dancing, swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, figure skating, tennis, acrobatics and football)
• 7 years (basketball, golf, skiing, sports tourism)
• 8 years (athletics, hockey, skating, lapta, volleyball, water polo, baseball)
• 9 years (judo, kickboxing, sambo, Greco-Roman wrestling, taekwondo, equestrianism, orienteering, fencing, sailing)
• 10 years (kayaking, arm wrestling, weightlifting, archery, shooting, karate, boxing)
• 11 years (powerlifting - powerlifting, rock climbing, bobsleigh, triathlon)

Children who develop very quickly, with pronounced abilities for a particular sport, can be sent to the sports section 1-2 years earlier.

Choosing the right sports section

Basic skills that will allow a child to engage in a particular sport

Learning skills such as throwing, running and jumping is a normal process. Children master each skill little by little, some learn faster than others. By the time your child is between 3 and 5 years old, he will have mastered some of these basic skills.

To play a particular sport, children must learn to combine these skills (for example, running and throwing at the same time). This will not happen until the child is 6 years old.

When a child is young, sports can be adapted to make it easier to play.

For example, you can:

• use adapted equipment;
• change roles or positions frequently;
• make games and exercises shorter;
• make the game fun to keep your child engaged.

Athletics (running, race walking, javelin throwing, long and high jump, etc.)

Age: from 5-6 years.

Pros:

• help strengthen the musculoskeletal system;
• form agility, speed, strength, endurance and the will to win;
• inexpensive equipment.

Cons: not always interesting for children.

Suitable for: a child who is really interested in these sports - then he can do anything!

Contraindications:

• some diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• chronic kidney disease;
• diabetes;
• progressive myopia.

A worthy example. An athlete in pole vaulting, who set world records in his sport 35 times, Sergei Bubka entered a sports school at the age of 11 and until the age of 37 successfully participated in various competitions, winning victories time after time.

When should children start playing sports?

If you intend to send your child to one or another sports section, think about how emotionally and physically ready he is for classes.

If the baby is too young or not ready, it will be unpleasant for everyone, which can turn the child away from sports forever.

Although there are sports programs designed for preschoolers, it is not until the ages of 6 or 7 that most children develop the physical skills and attention needed to play many sports.

Preschoolers can throw and run, but it usually takes some time before they can connect these skills and understand the rules of the game being offered.

This does not mean that children should not play sports when they are very young. Sports can be fun for toddlers and preschoolers, but the game should be less competitive and more educational so that a young child can have fun while being active.

So even if little kids accidentally score an own goal or spend the entire game chasing butterflies, as long as they enjoy it, it's okay.

If you decide to enroll your 5-year-old child in a section, be sure to choose one that will bring pleasure to the child and develop his basic skills.

Encourage your child to play sports that he enjoys, but also encourage him to try different sports when necessary. This will help him acquire various skills.

Figure skating and skiing

Age: from 4-5 and 7-8 years, respectively.

Pros:

• improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• strengthen the musculoskeletal system;
• develop endurance and (figure skating) grace, artistry;
• have a hardening effect on the body;
• useful for children with osteochondrosis, metabolic disorders, and scoliosis.

Cons: relatively expensive equipment; injuries; A stable snowy winter in the region of residence is desirable.

Suitable for: children who love winter and winter fun; easily tolerant of cold; active and mobile; in the case of figure skating - artistic.

Contraindications: some lung diseases; asthma; myopia.

A worthy example. Famous Russian figure skaters Alexei Yagudin and Evgeni Plushenko came to figure skating at the age of 4 and have since won many victories and medals for Russia.

How do I know if my child is ready to play a certain sport?

Below are the skills that children typically already have at an early age and the types of physical activities they can engage in.

At the age of 3 to 6 years, a child can run, jump, throw, and maintain balance. He has difficulty tracking the direction and speed of moving objects. Concentrating for a very short time. Learns better by copying others.

Skills to focus on during this age period: teaching basic skills, fun play. Learning new exercises is more important than competition.

Suggested activities: running, tumbling, throwing, catching, riding a tricycle.

Read this helpful article from a tech expert on how to choose the right kids tricycle.

When choosing sports for children, consider the unique character of your child. Some children enjoy team sports more, while others are drawn to activities that emphasize individual effort.

There are sports for everyone - from basketball and soccer for team-oriented kids, to karate, fencing, tennis, swimming and dance for kids who prefer to practice individually.

Don't be surprised if it takes you more than one try or several seasons to find a sport suitable for your child. It often takes time for children to figure out what activities they like.

Sports for children from 2 years old

Starting from the age of two, children need increased physical activity. They run, jump, tumble and fall everywhere. And to prevent their pranks from turning into serious injuries, parents should think about structured physical activity.

Adequate physical activity at this age is exercise at least 2 times a week for 30 minutes. With age, the number of hours of classes gradually increases and by the age of 5 it can be 2 hours 3 times a week.

Training for the little ones is not a full-fledged exercise with competitions and victories. At this time, training is based on the principle of a game. The baby will run, jump, have fun, learn simple exercises and perform basic tasks.

Ideal sports for children aged 2 years and older:

• Swimming;
• Dancing;
• Gymnastics;
• Runbike;
• Children's yoga;
• Jumping on a trampoline.

At this age, it is still very difficult for a baby to remain without a mother or father, so it is absolutely forbidden to leave him alone among people he doesn’t know; you will have to study with him. Moreover, you will have to do all the exercises with your baby, because he will repeat after you.

At 3-4 years old, the child can already perform more complex exercises and understand the requirements of the trainer. This age is considered optimal for starting classes.

At this time, the following sections are already available:

• Skis;
• Martial arts;
• Tennis;
• Golf;
• Figure skating;
• Roller Skates;
• Figure skating.

If you are afraid to send your child to these sections at such a young age, pay attention to developmental centers with a sports focus. In such centers, general developmental classes include physical education lessons, where trainers teach the little ones the simplest physical exercises in a playful way.

Information: From the age of two, children experience an active growth spurt and development. Optimal loads will help to properly form muscle mass and the musculoskeletal system, which will protect them from health problems in the future.

Sports for boys and girls

In preschool, most sports are suitable for both girls and boys. At older ages, sports for boys and girls may differ due to anatomical and physiological characteristics.

What sport should I send my girl to? More suitable for girls:

• gymnastics;
• swimming;
• figure skating;
• Horseback Riding.

What sport should I choose for a boy? More suitable for boys:

• gymnastics;
• football;
• skating;
• oriental martial arts.

Some children simply aren't interested in team sports, but they can stay fit by participating in other physical activities that don't emphasize competition. Regardless of what they choose, children should be physically active for at least one hour a day.

Which sport to enroll your child in – we select a sports section based on the child’s individual characteristics

• If you notice that your child is an extrovert , simply open and sociable, then you can try to succeed in speed-strength sports. For example, short-distance running and swimming, alpine skiing, big and small tennis. Gymnastics, snowboarding or acrobatics are also worth trying.
• If your child is an introvert , i.e. closed, analytical, thoughtful, try cyclical sports - for example, triathlon, skiing, athletics. The advantage of your child is that he tolerates monotonous activities well, is hardy, disciplined and, therefore, will be able to take prizes over long distances.

• Children with a closed character are not interested in group sports. They are unlikely to enjoy football or a team relay race. But they may be interested in shaping, swimming or bodybuilding. They usually have a low level of anxiety, which is why they achieve better results in serious competitions.
• Unlike the previous type, group games are suitable for impressionable children of a sensitive psychotype They play harmoniously because they are not interested in their own independence. What kind of sport to engage your child in is your personal business, but it is important to check that the child likes these activities and is comfortable in a real team.

• Complaisant, dependent children —the so-called conformists—quickly “grab” the rules of the game and “reach out” to recognized leaders. Collective games in a large team suit them.
• Proud children of the hysterical psychotype love to be the center of attention. However, they are not comfortable in those sports that involve a lengthy determination of victory over the course of an entire competition.

• If your child is prone to apathy and often shows irritability, you need to take into account his cycloid type and change sports hobbies more often.
• For the psychoasthenic type, playing sports is not at all attractive. But their especially long legs make it possible to realize their potential in cross-country skiing or athletics.
• Asthenoneurotics and epileptoids quickly get tired and need additional health improvement, for example, swimming.

Important conditions for sports activities

Before starting classes, children must undergo a medical examination.
Those with certain medical conditions, visual impairments, hearing impairments, or other disabilities may have difficulty participating in sports. In rare cases, a doctor may discover an undiagnosed condition that will affect athletic performance. While you should share your preferences with your children, forcing them to play the same sport that their parents once enjoyed is not a good idea.

As your child tries different sports, stay involved.

Please note the following factors.

1. Safety. Does the coach require players to follow the rules and use proper safety equipment? Do players have time to warm up and cool down before and after each practice or competition? In hot weather, does the trainer pay attention to hydration, humidity and temperature? Are children taught proper movement and body position? Is the coach sensitive to concussion prevention? Monitor these aspects.
2. Training style. Attend training or communicate with the coach to determine your child’s attitude towards the classes. How much does each child play and how is play time determined? If the coach constantly yells at the kids or only allows the most experienced players into the game, your child may not like it.

Overall, be positive. Emphasize your child's efforts, improvement, and enjoyment of victory or personal accomplishment. If your schedule allows, be sure to attend events and training sessions.

When kids are interested in sports, it's important to think about how exercise and play can impact their and your daily lives.

1. How will this affect the amount of time the child has for things like homework, hanging out with friends, and other activities? You can get a schedule of activities and games and plot out a typical week on the calendar with your child.
2. It is important for children to have rest time, the opportunity to think creatively and play freely when they are not busy with something else. This will give them the energy they need for any activity.
3. How will this sport affect the rest of the family's plans? Many groups only practice and play games on the weekends, which can be a problem if your family likes to spend the weekend together.
4. If you have more than one child involved in sports, how will you transport them to the training site?

The influence of sports on teenagers

The positive importance of sports in the lives of teenagers is enormous. When playing sports, a teenager:

• develops faster
• better oriented in space
• getting stronger
• feels better about his own body
• gets sick less
• becomes more emotionally stable.

Let's look at everything in order.

1. Strengthening your health. By engaging in physical activity, a teenager first of all improves his health. Oxygen and blood circulate better in all body systems and organs. All muscles of the body are trained regularly and function perfectly. The most ordinary morning exercises will be useful, as it will tone the entire body. Playing sports allows a teenager to become more resilient, and this is very important in the modern rhythm of life.
2. We build character and willpower. Sport shapes the strong-willed character of a teenager, changing him for the better. Will develops, the desire to win, endurance, the ability to overcome obstacles, and not be afraid of defeat. Willpower, formed in the process of sports activities, can overcome all negative habits and traits, and also create a strong personality out of a teenager, capable of achieving a lot.
3. We set ourselves up for success. Please note that almost all famous people who have achieved great success played sports in childhood, and continue to do so to this day. Sport and success are interconnected concepts. If a teenager wants to learn how to set goals and achieve them, sports will teach this. In addition, playing sports makes it possible to get everything you need from life, even if there are no hopes or opportunities.
4. We discipline. Teenagers who play sports are more focused and disciplined. And these are important qualities for achieving success in school and other areas of life. And they will definitely come in handy in adult life.
5. We create the right leisure time. Parents will not deny that, having accustomed their child to sports, he will not be drawn into bad company, and he will not want to wander idly on the streets in search of adventure. Young athletes usually have many friends with whom he will enjoy communicating.

Should children be allowed to quit playing sports?

If your child is part of a team that depends on their participation, you can explain the importance of getting through the season. If this is not the case, ask yourself if you would like your child to quit training. Think about what the consequences will be.

If a child is overwhelmed or unhappy, leaving may be the right decision. But it's still important for kids to be physically active every day, even if they stop playing sports.

If your child is not interested in sports, find other physical activities. The best ones are those that you can do throughout your life.

You can ride bicycles and play on the playground. Encourage active time with friends and their outdoor games.

These are general guidelines to consider. Children mature at their own pace and develop their unique skills at different times, so it is important to consider your child's emotional and physical maturity before starting the sports season. There is no point in forcing children to play sports if they do not enjoy it.

Teenage years

Adolescence is one of the most difficult stages in a person’s life. Firstly, dealing with a teenager can be very difficult. And parents are faced with misunderstandings, hysterics, nervous breakdowns, stupid actions, thoughtless behavior and a huge number of other categories inherent in young people. Secondly, at the age of 14-16 it is difficult to cope with oneself. This is the period when childhood disappeared forever. Every day more and more adulthood sets in. And the world around you treats you like a child, at the same time often making adult demands. This is a real whirlpool of feelings and emotions.

The teenage years can be called “fleeting.” Indeed, this is a very short period in a person’s life. Only 4-5 years (from about 12 to 17), during which a person undergoes colossal changes in himself, in relation to the world around him, in his experience. If a 12-year-old child still plays with Lego and watches cartoons on YouTube. Then a 15-year-old child is already having sex (and this is still late by today’s standards!), writing his first poems, trying alcohol, going out at night with friends. Dramatic changes occur in the shortest possible time. A variety of thoughts enter a child’s head, many things happen to him, and for the first time: first love, first suffering, first real disappointment...

This is why in adolescence it is so difficult not to mess things up and not make mistakes, not to make wrong decisions. Especially when your parents (wow, how annoying they are!) tell you every day what and how you need to do.