Building Character and Beyond Part 2
Athletic talents can make you a hometown hero. Why is it then, that so many hometown heroes end up failing to make it to the highest levels of a sport?
The answer is character. As teachers, coaches, or fitness professionals, we are tasked with shaping the physical attributes of youngsters. Is it possible to take the next step and actually have an objective means by which to actually teach and assess character?
3 Exercises I Learned From My Baby
My nine-month old baby boy moves better than I do!
My little guy has given me a new appreciation for how the human body develops and how it is supposed to move. Babies are not burdened with the high stress jobs, excessive sitting, TV, driving, and studying that have conspired to mold us into functional hunchbacks, with our head jutting forward, locked hips, tight back and diminished strength.
Stressed Out Kids: The New Reality and a Simple Solution
Is it possible that kids are just as busy, just as stressed out, and in as much need of relaxing, unplugging & disconnecting as adults? The answer is a resounding YES. Starting at a very early age, children are on a schedule. They wake up to an alarm, quickly eat breakfast, get ready for school, hurry up to catch the bus, and slide into their seat – barely beating the bell. The rest of their day is more of the same, moving from class to class, assignment to assignment with homework building as the day goes on.
Teaching Fitness, Character, and Beyond
Why are a good teachers, coaches, or trainers so sought after? Is there a secret? YES. These professionals know how to motivate, inspire and shape essential character traits that go above and beyond a sport.
If you can learn to be good at teaching this, not only will kids jump through the roof for you, but parents, business and community leaders will do it too. Why would they do that? At the end of the day everyone wants the next generation of kids to be productive, hard working and driven adults.
Family Fitness Challenge!
Day 1: Exercise Challenge
By the end of the day, your family has to complete a total (added together) of:
1. 100 jumping jacks
2. 100 push-ups
3. 100 sit ups or crunches
4. 100 burpees
Day 2: Team Dinner (No Microwave)
Today, your family challenge is to choose a recipe and everyone has to make some part of the meal. No microwave allowed!
What to Do with Bored Kids
“I’M BORED!” At about 10 years old, I had heard that phrase from my friends. Those words didn’t really exist in my house. It seemed there was always something going on, and my brother and I were always involved.
I decided to try the phrase out on a mid-day summer respite from the whiffle ball world series and playing “pro wrestling” with my little brother (whether he wanted to or not). “Mom, “I’m BORED.” My mom halted her “one man band” of domestic management for a moment. One hand in the sink, the other tending the stove, and her feet somehow mopping the floor. “Well I am SO sorry. Let’s see what we can do about that!”
How America Will Win the Next World Cup!
Sadly, it’s time once again to put away our team USA soccer jerseys and wait another four years before soccer becomes a central theme in the American sports conversation.
It’s not that team USA doesn’t have talent. We continually improve our showings in international contests. Many of our national team players have made significant talent contributions to elite foreign teams.
After all, Americans grow up in an athletic culture that offers a variety of competitive advantages.
You Can Lead a Kid to Water…
I’ve already made kind of a big deal about the fact that children handle the heat differently than adults –and for good reason! When exercising in extreme heat, kids are at an increased risk of heat stress compared to adults. One of the best ways to prevent kids from overheating is to make sure they drink enough water. Dehydration can be dangerous, and it even affects performance. The challenge is in getting kids to drink more water.
Why is Hydration So Important Anyway?
The Problem with Presidential Fitness Tests
Many of us grew up with the “Presidential Fitness Test” that was designed by President Kennedy to create a higher standard of fitness for American youth. These tests assessed the product of a physically active youth culture that was further refined through frequent physical education classes.
Things are different now.
Currently, our youth have demonstrated a significant decrease in play and movement based leisure time activity. Furthermore, only about 4% of America’s schools have daily PE.
The lack of movement and movement education has left our kids with a physical fitness detriment. Scores on these traditional tests have been on a significant decline over the last 15 years.
Is the Summer Heat Putting Your Child in Danger?
My best childhood memories all seem to be summer related – and I don’t think I’m alone! Family vacations, hours in the pool, tennis, outdoor games with my friends, and of course –no school!
All that fun in the sun can spell danger for children. Compared to adults, children are fundamentally different in how they handle heat. Understanding these differences is crucial to keeping kids healthy and performing their best in the heat.
Unleashing the power of play
Download 20 Awesome At-Home Activities for 5-12 Year Olds!
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