Training an 8 yr. old?!!

acrain · 10-13-2008, 08:02 PM

I have recently been approached about training an 8 yr old female who is overweight. I think the key thing here is to make the routines fun and positive. Any suggestions?

neatofrito1618 · 10-13-2008, 08:13 PM

Kickboxing maybe? Also, I'm sure you already know this, but the whole weight training before you're done with puberty stunts your growth thing is a complete myth.

samsuperjew5 · 10-13-2008, 08:13 PM

(i'm not a personal trainer but saw this post and was amused)

You could introduce healthy/tastey foods in place of sweets like watermelon.

You could encourage her to play sports.

You can give prizes to personal records.

just ideas

jules_d1 · 10-13-2008, 08:17 PM

definitley make it games oriented. make sure there is some attainable goal at the end of each session.

What a sad world we live in where 8yos need training.

amaliaeddene · 10-13-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jules_d1

definitley make it games oriented. make sure there is some attainable goal at the end of each session.

What a sad world we live in where 8yos need training.

Well it's just the difference between kids who do sports and those who don't. Really this girl doesn't need to be in the gym, she needs to start some physical activity with her peers.

catheitz · 10-14-2008, 03:33 AM

a young athlete or not, you can do alot with an 8 y/o but it's just about working on things like depth perception, coordination, calisthenics, etc.

just the movement and the idea that it is more of a game than something she has to do to loose weight is what you need to aim to do.

kgitaitis · 10-14-2008, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amaliaeddene

Well it's just the difference between kids who do sports and those who don't. Really this girl doesn't need to be in the gym, she needs to start some physical activity with her peers.

Agreed
She needs a sound nutrition program (mainly) and an after school sports activity to get her active.

bodybytwa · 10-14-2008, 06:18 AM

Is there a Girls on the Run program she can get involved with? Not only does this promote health, but self-esteem and self-care. If seen it iny kids' school and it's great.

It is sad when our kids are overweight at such a young age. My 10yo son has 2 girls in his class that are at least 120 ad one of his best buddies is about 125. I just want to reach out and help then AND the parents. But how to do this without offending is my sticky situation.

Good luck training and getting the girl fit and on the right road to health.

3kgtjunkie · 10-14-2008, 10:24 AM

fun is definitley the key. I would incorporate basketball to develop overall coordination, hand eye coordination and it also incorporates cardio.

jdmalm123 · 10-14-2008, 02:01 PM

It should be perceived by the child as play. She should want to do it, even if it's somewhat demanding (for her abilities). It should also be about movement, not strict form, scheduled progression, etc.

acrain · 10-14-2008, 02:13 PM

Thanks for all the interesting and helpful comments regarding training the 8 yr old. Once we get going I'll post some feedback.

bigfrog · 10-14-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acrain

Thanks for all the interesting and helpful comments regarding training the 8 yr old. Once we get going I'll post some feedback.

I've done kid's fitness for 5 years. Youngest was four. Keep in mind you have to make it fun and change it up every 5 minutes. Don't forget classic games like (tag, red light/green light, hide n' go seek, bunny hop, eyes/ears/knees/toes, Simon says etc). If you have more than one kid, there are many things you can do.

I know a million things you can do. Also, I have websites for you to check out if you want to email me. They don't cost at all.

Even though she's young, still remember the aspects of fitness (strength, endurance, flexibility, endurance strength body comp). Also, if you're able to incorporate teaching in the games (good/bad foods, sedentary etc) slowly, you will be on your way to having a rep as a GREAT trainer! The kids I trained still keep in touch with me, even though I moved.

On your last session before renew if she wants to renew, you can "test" her on what she's learned. Besides playing.

Email me for more ideas and website.

Luck......

dshinton · 10-14-2008, 03:02 PM

You should get her a Space Hopper, just like the one I has as a kid!

Calhexas · 10-14-2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acrain

I have recently been approached about training an 8 yr old female who is overweight. I think the key thing here is to make the routines fun and positive. Any suggestions?

Id do something dance based, and maybe something involving her favorite sport (assuming she has one).

Favorite games can be incorporated.

Competition should probably be kept to a minimum, and the competition should be kept to her own personal records. I wouldn't pit her achievements against another's, as she's most likely self conscious and has low self esteem as it is.

Find out her favorite music, and design little aerobics or dance routines to the songs. My gf was on a dance team and she said practicing routines was a better workout than standard weights and cardio.