The importance of regular exercise is well-recognized. Mainly, it does wonders for our physical and mental health, helping prevent various chronic diseases. Anyone, regardless of their age, can enjoy these therapeutic benefits.
The thing is, motivating kids and teenagers to exercise is easier said than done. Most likely, they would rather have a movie marathon, scroll through their social media accounts, or play video games instead of exercising. Without intervention, this may develop into a sedentary lifestyle, which has been associated with several diseases.
This is where personal training can help. Once under the guidance and supervision of a fitness professional, kids and teens can become more determined and motivated to become physically active. This, in turn, allows them to reap the fantastic benefits of regular exercise.
Reasons Why Personal Training Is Good For Kids and Teens
Globally, overweight and obesity among the youth have become a dire concern in recent years. The issue, in fact, has already reached epidemic proportions. In Canada alone, about 1 in 7 Canadian youth are considered obese. Worldwide, around 1 in 5 children are overweight.
Being overweight and obese are not to be taken lightly. If left ignored, these two conditions may increase the likelihood of certain diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and cancer. Furthermore, kids and adolescents who are overweight and obese have a higher risk of premature death and disability later in their lives.
Physical inactivity, coupled with poor dietary habits, is one of the top reasons why individuals become overweight and obese. To make matters worse, a sedentary lifestyle can also make a person more at risk to various ailments, including:
- Depression
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Early death
It may seem alarming, but little steps can go a long way in keeping your child fit and healthy. One of them, of course, is to engage in regular exercise. With the help of a capable personal trainer, it won’t take long before youngsters make physical activity a part of their daily routine.
Related article: Why Hire a Personal Trainer for Your Teenagers
1. Personalized Training Program
With personal training, young clients will receive a customized training program that is tailored to their unique needs and situation. The workout routine typically encompasses endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility training, and should be enjoyable and manageable for your kid. Aside from this, a nutrition program may also be included.
2. Individualized Attention
Personal trainers will work with young children every step of the way. They will provide detailed instructions on what exercises to do, demonstrate the right way to do them, and give constructive feedback when needed. It assures you that your child is performing exercises correctly, which prevents injuries and helps them develop the right form and technique. Lastly, the trainer will also modify the workout routine, lowering or increasing its intensity to match your child’s needs and current fitness level.
But if you are going for group personal training, be aware that your child likely won’t receive their instructor’s full attention. This rings especially true for group sessions with way too many participants. For this reason, our group training classes are only limited to five people. This way, each client will get the instruction and supervision they need to progress with their goals.
Related article: How Does Group Training Work in Toronto?
3. Accountability
Staying consistent is one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to exercising. Although you are aware of the benefits of physical activity, there are days when you simply don’t have the energy to get up and move. This is an even more difficult feat to achieve among children and young adults, who probably don’t even want to exercise, to begin with. One missed day, unfortunately, can easily become two or more – until you realize that you have stopped working out entirely.
A personal trainer can keep young individuals accountable and least likely to skip their sessions. During the consultation stage, the trainer will create attainable goals that align with the kid’s needs. Along the way, the trainer will track the progress of their clients, and ensure that they are meeting their goals without pushing them beyond their limits. As a result, your teen will see faster, more targeted results – whatever their fitness goals may be.
4. Motivation
A personal trainer is more than just a fitness trainer. Instead, they can also become a source of motivation and encouragement, inspiring their clients to always stay on top of their fitness goals. After all, anyone would want to be around someone who always supports, cheers, and believes in them. And once a bond is established, kids will eventually look forward to meeting with the personal trainer themselves.
5. Formation of Healthy Habits
One of the best things about personal training is that it will impart skills, knowledge, and habits that your child will carry with them throughout their lives.
First, personal trainers can help youngsters understand their bodies better, as well as help them see the importance of regular exercise and healthy eating. Personal training will also help kids and teens learn how to perform different exercises correctly. All of these, in turn, make it easier for them to incorporate physical activity into their everyday lives.
Related article: What Are the Best Exercises for Teens at Home?
Enjoy the Benefits of Youth Personal Training Programs
There is no question that personal training can be highly beneficial for kids and teens. It will help them stay motivated, be physically active, and build healthy habits that will last a lifetime. This way, the youth can maximize the wonderful benefits of regular physical exercise.
So, if you are thinking about hiring a personal trainer for your child, go for it. There is no harm in trying. Who knows, it may just be one of the best decisions you will ever make for your child.
Don’t forget that every youth is different, which means that what works for one individual may not necessarily work for another. Each has varying needs, preferences, fitness levels, and even personality. The interplay of these factors will play a crucial role when choosing the right personal training program for your child.
Some kids may do well with one-on-one personal training at the gym, while others might feel more comfortable working out in the privacy of your own home. If it is the latter, you can choose between at-home or virtual personal training. Lastly, some teens may perform better in a group setting instead of personalized training.
Does it sound confusing? Don’t worry. You can always consult the services of a fitness professional. They will help you decide which approach is best suited for your child. At First Class Personal Training, our team of licensed, highly trained fitness professionals are well-equipped to deal with young clients, ensuring that they are comfortable throughout the whole process.
Gera is the Founder and Head Trainer of First Class Personal Training with over 20 years of professional experience, not only as a personal trainer but also as a nutrition and wellness counselor and a post rehabilitation specialist.