We all know the benefits of practising Pilates as an adult, but what about your kids? Shouldn't they be getting some of that good stuff for themselves? Here's what you can expect as benefits for the youngster who does Pilates.
It Will Get Them Moving
Every child should spend at least one hour doing physical activity on a daily basis to stay healthy. This exercise should be aerobic for cardiovascular purposes, but strength training is recommended 3 times a week. By getting them started with Pilates you can get them fulfilling this requirement and they'll be increasing their strength and improving their posture to boot!
Moves such as the Hundred will provide an aerobic challenge and raise the heart rate. The slower movements will stretch out the muscles to make them stronger and more toned. Great for children who just love to eat!
If you don't fancy taking on the extra financial expense of signing them up to a class - don't worry you don't have to. You can purchase a DVD where a qualified instructor will explain and demonstrate the moves clearly.
It's Good For The Brain
Not only will the exercise improve circulation and the transportation of oxygen around the body, Pilates can lend a calming benefit. As it's a mindful type of discipline, it can teach your child how to focus, concentrate and control their emotions. This exercise will also increase the ability of the prefrontal cortex which enables the child to deal with complex tasks and planning.
It Will Give Them Flexibility
Children are naturally more flexible than adults, and that should be encouraged. The poses of Pilates can help the muscles of your child stay in good shape as they grow. It will also help to protect them against sports injuries - the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Team are always at it as a protective measure! It will also help with any other activities that involve balance and strength such as gymnastics or dance classes.
Postural Improvements
We all know that many kids are just crazy about using computers, tablets and electronic games. All that sitting down is not good for the spine and we weren't designed to sit all day long. The child's posture can suffer from being hunched over electronic devices. By practising Pilates, the good habit of holding a neutral spine is introduced early and will go a long way to promote the good posture and habits that will prevent future back pain.
Teenagers can be notoriously difficult to communicate with as their hormones kick into action. By making Pilates part of the quality time that you spend together doing something useful, you can work on keeping that bond with your child. They'll be thankful that you took the time and effort to do it in later years.
If you're still wondering whether you should be getting your kids to do Pilates with you - then read up on it further, but it makes sense to build it into your daily routine and you'll be doing yourself a favour too!. It's an investment in your child - for now and the future.
It's good to teach our kids to stay fit and healthy while they are young.....
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