Given the development of technology in the world today, more and more children are facing one of the biggest health problems and that is overweight or obesity. More and more children are spending their time and even their entire childhood playing games on the phone or watching Netflix indefinitely. Social networks are a special trap for children that hinders them from normal development and healthy living. Statistics in the world show that about 20% of children between the ages of 2-19 face obesity, so it is not strange or wrong for parents to seek the advice and help of an expert in obesity prevention – a PERSONAL TRAINER.

We often hear that children from smaller communities and cities are generally more motorically advanced. In addition to motor development in children, social games in the park or on a playground greatly develop their social life. Unfortunately, children in larger cities, most often due to the unavailability of playgrounds and the urban lifestyle of parents, invite professionals (personal trainers) to physically activate children and develop basic motor skills, which can be most affected in sensitive periods while children are still in development. One of the most common questions a personal trainer receives from a parent is, “Is an exercise in school enough for a child’s motor development?”. The answer is NO. The reason for the negative answer is that physical education classes in schools usually take place once or twice a week, which is not enough. Children at this age should be given various challenges daily because they are developing fast, both motorically and cognitively. If your kid starts exercising from an early age, in that sense it can be easier to create a habit of daily physical exercise and thus, have a better and healthier life.
HOW TO FIND OUT WHICH PERSONAL TRAINER IS GOOD FOR YOUR KID?
Of course, it is very important to make the right choice and choose someone who will really dedicate themselves to your child and exercise properly. Parents are often looking for someone who has enough experience working with children. This is one of the important things that every parent must know before deciding on a coach. Of course, someone who has worked with children before will already have an established picture of the proper development of children and to what extent and what programs they can include in working with children. Another thing, which is perhaps more important, is the level of education of the coach. Various certificates of world-famous institutions are very important when you have to make a choice. However, the best choice for you would be a coach who has completed bachelor’s or master’s studies at the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education. Such trainer has passed various pedagogical exams and is qualified to work with children.

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE ON KID’S DEVELOPMENT
Many parents wonder if it is wise for their children to start weight training while they are still developing. We can often hear that they are afraid that this will stop their growth and that they will remain short. However, science says something completely different. The latest research that has been conducted speaks in favor of the fact that negative ideas about weight training are based on wrong principles. Strength training works on children to become stronger, and more durable, and if there are any deviations in the spinal column or in general in proper body posture, we can correct it with strength exercises and help children become stronger and healthier. We often say that prevention is better than any treatment, so while children are developing, the best gift we can give them is a healthy body. Physical training and exercise have positive effects on both physiological and psychological aspects of the development of a child. Some of the positive effects include:
- Improvement in sleeping habits
- Limiting the risk of obesity
- Limiting the risk of chronic disease
- Reducing anxiety
- Reducing depression
- Promoting healthy bone growth and muscle development
- Accept training as a daily habit
- Improved motor skills
- Better social life and self-confidence
- Better posture and fewer problems when they grow up
The benefits of physical activity extend to the classroom as well. School districts once crunched to find time for physical education, have begun to incorporate structured mental breaks, between 5-20 minutes, which range from hikes outside to dance-offs. These mental breaks help kids expend energy and keep them calm and focused throughout the day, promoting physical activity. Now more than ever, being a role model to kids by conducting sports or further encouraging fitness is crucial!
HOW OFTEN AND WHAT KIND OF WORKOUTS?
Given all the above, exercise with a personal trainer is desirable 2-3 times a week in the beginning. The most important thing is for the child to accept the trainer and his exercise program to always be motivated for training. In addition, a gradual introduction to training is very important, and this is where the didactic principles come to the fore: from easier to more difficult, from known to unknown, slower to faster execution of exercises. Of course, the coach already knows all this and when you have made the right choice, you need to have confidence in the coach and patience because nothing goes overnight, it takes a minimum of 6 weeks to notice the progress of the child.
The 60-minute training is enough to start and may include the following exercises:
- Running
- Jumping
- Skipping rope
- Martial arts (self-defense)
- Sports games (football, basketball, etc.)
- Bodyweight strength exercises
- Swimming
- Cardio exercise
Each training should start with a certain warm-up and introduction to training, and end the training with stretching exercises around 10 to 15 minutes that affects better flexibility, prevention of injuries, and muscle inflammation. Physical activity and exercise play an important role in a child’s development. Activity should begin around age 3 with playtime and less structured tasks and then progress to more moderate-to-vigorous activity when children turn 6 years old. As children grow, parents should encourage 60 minutes of activity a day, and on at least 3 days, vigorous activity is recommended.
At our company Real Fit personal trainers are always available to help turn your vision into reality! Personal trainers not only commit to changing your kid’s life and future, but you are also bringing someone into your life who will be cheering their progress every step of the way. With our educated personal trainers, you are going to learn how important exercises are for your child and much more.