Beating child couch potato syndrome

Resistance training builds muscle and helps to reduce weight and tackle obesity. Muscle requires more energy than fat to function, so increasing muscle mass raises the metabolic rate, or the speed at which the body burns calories. As a result, more body fat is burned while exercising and at rest.

Assuming a child is supervised by a trained fitness expert, light resistance training should be safe for kids age 10 and older. Even for younger kids, Salzmann asserts there is nothing wrong with weight training if they are supervised correctly and the weights are very light. Often, children’s weight training programmes focus on correct form, which is important because learning proper technique can help maximise long-term workouts. Resistance training can also be beneficial for children who don’t particular excel at or enjoy organised sports.

Given how inactive most children are, exercise can provide a positive outlet and help them become interested in a variety of physical activities. And regular exercise can help prevent obesity-related problems like diabetes and osteoporosis.

read more:  previous | 1 |  2 |  3 | next printer friendly send to a friend