Fitness for Young Beginner Athletes
A fitness for kids scheme to prepare your child to reach the top!
Start!
Make a beginning. Maybe you think you’re not going to be a superstar athlete. But you can still set a big fitness goal for yourself, even if you’ve never tried a sport before:
It could be a long bike ride, several laps of swimming and or just running. Maybe, just join a sports league.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
First, consider the possibilities. There are lots of activities you could try, and you might discover you like something you never thought you’d do. Like rock climbing or tree climbing – maybe these are a little out of your comfort zone. Check out events such which take place in your school or in your local community.
Start With Small Goals
Small goals add up one day to become BIG! You might have a big goal you want to reach one day, like a marathon. The best way to get there is to set a series of smaller goals that lead to your big goal. For example, before you sign up for a marathon, set goals to do a few 5K races first. And before that, work up to running a kilo-meter Fitness apps can help you keep track of each great thing you do on your way to your big goal.
Mix Things Up
Diversify your routines! You may get bored doing the same workout every day. And after you do the same activity all the time for 6 to 8 weeks, your muscles adapt to it. You burn fewer calories and build less muscle. Try interval training: Step up your pace for a minute, then slow down, and repeat. Try strength training and cardio activities like swimming, indoor cycling, and kickboxing.
Do Strength Training
Build your brawn! Even if your goal — a marathon, for example — might center on cardio, you should practice strength or resistance training, too. Strong muscles burn more calories, help prevent injuries, and build stronger bones. Work muscles on weight machines, with hand-held equipment like free weights, kettlebells, or resistance bands, or by doing exercises like push-ups. Rest each muscle group, such as biceps and triceps, at least 2 days between strength workouts.
Points to consider other than workouts
- Visit your doctor
Visit your doctor regularly. if you have a health problem or take regular medication , do get medical advice. To avoid injuries and burnout, start working out slowly: 3 days a week for 30 minutes. Then gradually add time and intensity.
- Eat and Drink for Fuel
Nourish your body! Exercise burns extra calories and raises your metabolism. So eat every couple of hours — three meals plus healthy snacks. Before a workout, snack on carbs (juice, fruit, or yogurt) for fast energy. After a long, tough workout, replenish with a carb/protein mix, like a peanut butter sandwich or a smoothie. Otherwise, keep your meals and snacks light: Try an apple and peanut butter, yogurt and nuts, or an egg on whole wheat toast.
- Drink Enough Water
Hydrate your body! Unless your workout is really long or tough, you don’t need a special sports drink with electrolytes. Water works just fine. Drink plenty: If you’re dehydrated, your muscles may cramp, and you raise your risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Two hours before you exercise, drink about 2 to 3 cups of water. During your routine, drink about 1 cup every 10-20 minutes. Keep drinking after you’re done exercising, too.
- Dress for Comfort
Your attire matters! You need the right clothes and shoes when you work out. It’s not about looking good (although that can’t hurt) — it’s about feeling comfortable. It’s no fun to walk, run, or bike if you have flapping sleeves or flimsy shoes. Ask the experts at a sporting goods store for help. Look for fabrics that draw moisture away from your body — not sweat-absorbing cotton. In cool temperatures, wear layers that you can peel off as you warm up.
- Learn Proper Form
Proper posture matters! Whether you’re running or weightlifting, it’s easy to get hurt if your form or technique is wrong. Don’t assume you’re exercising the right way, especially if your routine is causing you pain. If your school has Physical education teacher, they may be able to watch you exercise and give you advice on improving your technique.