Youth Fitness Programs in Portland

I know how important it is for our youth to be involved in some kind of exercise program for kids. We need physical activity our whole lives, whether we are 8 years old or 80. When you are 8 years old, you need more physical activity. It is recommended that you get at least 2 1/2 hours of physical activity a week if you are over the age of 18. On the other hand, if you are between the ages of 5-17, one hour of vigorous activity a day is suggested. That is a 4 1/2 hour a week difference.

Fitness can be a lot more than just a way for kids to exercise. Some kids need something positive to latch onto. I had a hard time in school. I have the hardest time sitting still and studying was difficult. I struggled to keep up and I didn’t feel that smart. When I found exercise it was a huge confidence booster. I was good at it and it made me feel good. It made me feel accomplished. When other obstacles in my early life came along, fitness helped me through them. Kids need purpose and something to be excited about. Getting your kid into a youth fitness program could change their life. It changed mine.

Is Strength Training Safe for Kids 

Research shows that exercise is both safe and necessary. Kids benefit from fitness in the same way adults do. It builds muscle strength, bone strength, tendon and connective tissue strength. When kids are involved in a safe youth fitness program, they’re less likely to get injured in various sports.

Here are a few things to consider when involving your child in a fitness program.

1. Supervision is important. Kids should be supervised constantly when they are exercising, both for safety and to teach form. Children take more guidance than adults. They need more attention. Having the right fitness instructor who can correct your child’s improper movement patterns when they are young, will set them up to be in better tune with their bodies later.
2. Kids should do exercises appropriate to their ability. Obviously maxing out on big compound lifts are out the window. Body weight exercises are great. Make sure they go at their own pace.
3. Make it fun! However you can. We want this to stick! Getting motivated to workout is tough for most people in the beginning. We want to do everything in our power to keep them coming back.

My Experience Training Kids 

Over the past 8 years of training, I worked with a handful of young athletes. I have helped them with a variety of goals. I ran a youth fitness class with a group of around ten, 6-12-year-old ice skating girls, building strength and coordination. I’ve worked with young boys under 10 years old interested in weightlifting. Track athletes in high school. A swimmer ranked 3rd in Oregon for his division.

Fitness is a calling. It changed my life as a kid. Being able to share that now with other kids is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.