Children doing cardio

Group: General Diet & Nutrition

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 399, Messages: 16719

With such a topic so broad we truly try to cover the basics from all angles in this group. Nothing too big or too small. Nutrition is as significant if not more as exercise is to reaching your goals so learn all you can.

Join group

Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/11/10, 09:00 PM I started my 11 yr old son with some at home training. Besides doing very light reps with dumbells, I want him to get in some cardio. Is it the same formula that we use as adults for max heart rate etc? ---------------------------- To change it, or to create it, simply train it!

bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2002/11/11, 09:48 AM At 11, isn't he already doing cardio? Like running, climbing trees, and playing at the playground? Or does he have the "video game syndrome?"
effalunt Posts: 333 Joined: 2002/10/17	2002/11/11, 02:04 PM Okay, as a dance instructor--no weights for kids! None! At 11, kids have not finished developing a lot of the structures that the adult body has. Not all the final fusions have happened in his bones, ect, and he is up for some damage if he overdoes it. I would say hold off on any weights until 14. I can understand that you want your son to share you interests: play frisbee at the park, go for a run, kick around a soccer ball, ect, ect. If he's a little overweight, encourage healthy, balanced eating. Kids need more fat that adults; he can't follow a perfectly 'clean' diet. At 11, the thing he will really value is the time you take to spend with him. -------------- Think you can or think you can't; either way you're right--Goethe
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/11/11, 04:04 PM Had a feeling I would get both these kind of replies. The weight training he does at home is just basicly going through the motions. Like 2-5lb dumbells not m ore. And yes, its the tv syndrome and eating wrong! So I am working with the right foods, but was wondering about the cardio part. Was thinking of getting him to walk or run with me. Maybe I'm expecting too much. -------------- To change it, or to create it, simply train it!
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2002/11/11, 04:56 PM Changing his food getting him the right foods are all good things even having him walk with you is great. But beware of pushing too hard, it may have the opposite effect, and cause him to hate it and compound the problem... -------------- IF THE SWEAT AIN'T IN YOUR EYES, AND IT AIN'T STINGING, THEN YOU AIN'T LIFTIN!
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/11/11, 06:09 PM He's all for it. It's his idea, I'm not pushing him to do it. So I figured just to stay on light weights 2-5lbs max. -------------- To change it, or to create it, simply train it!
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2002/11/11, 06:55 PM Sound nutritional habits established right now will work for him the rest of his life. Not just for fitness, but for health. As Mutt says, ease him into it, make him think it is his idea to do things. If pushed too hard, most kids these days will totally turn against things. Tough in todays age to keep a kid from the video syndrome. Maybe you can reach a happy medium. Great you are trying, and even better he is for it. I don't want to sound like Dear Abby here, but hope this helps.
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/11/12, 05:18 PM Hey bb1fit, you dont' sound like dear abby! It's REAL -------------- To change it, or to create it, simply train it!
effalunt Posts: 333 Joined: 2002/10/17	2002/11/13, 03:29 PM Good luck with your son, I wish my folks had taken the time when I was a kid and overweight. Your son is lucky that you care about his health so much. Make it fun and good 'father-son' time and you'll both benefit. -------------- Think you can or think you can't; either way you're right--Goethe
sandysford Posts: 1,139 Joined: 2002/11/18	2002/11/26, 03:02 PM I would like to tell you that when my kids were small I wish I had FT to tell me that they were all overweight. No, what I got was it is just babyfat, leave them alone. Now I have three very over weight adult children. They are very proud of my accomplishments but it is very hard to convince them they they also need to think about losing weight and exercising. Start them young with healthy eating habits and outdoor\indoor exercise. Anything to keep them active and in good health. When I found out that I was a diabetic, I weighed 250lbs, I surely hope this doesn't happen to my children to make them see the light. Good luck with your son, and have fun with it.
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/11/26, 04:56 PM Thanks. For all the positive responses and hope others in the same situation read these posts! Maybe our generation will start a big change on the health and lifestyles of the upcoming generations. -------------- To change it, or to create it, simply train it! Ivan Montreal Canada
sandysford Posts: 1,139 Joined: 2002/11/18	2002/11/27, 12:52 AM I am getting a second chance, trying to installed the values of better nutrition and exercise with my grandchildren.