I recently returned from an international strength and conditioning conference in California, The Perform Better Summit.
I always get 100 per cent fired up during these conferences and this was one of the best due to so many of the best minds in the industry in one place, and I came home inspired more than ever!
Each presenter was top-notch but one left a lasting impression. I was lucky to attend a lecture from Brian Grasso regarding “Long term sports training for youth.”
As a mother of two young boys it has always been my focus to keep my children healthy and active as much as possible and let them experience a variety of activities and what they enjoy. I have always encouraged parents to let their children experience “play” and not focus on one sport at a young age. The more the child plays in a variety of activities, the better they become.
Have you ever thought why it’s so important to let your child play and let them experience a variety of activities? It’s a technical term called neuroplasticity. The easy definition is the brain learning input from the environment. What your child does becomes ingrained and is a learned pattern that they never forget. This is why I highly encourage parents to not pigeon hole their child into one sport or activity at a young age.
What really hit home during this lecture was something I hope every parent and teacher who reads this article will pass along and never forget.
On average, boys under the age of two years (the research only mentioned boys) have more than 12 physical affirmations daily such as: a hi-five, a hug, a great job. Once that boy reaches two years and older, those numbers drop to four. My jaw dropped. Not only has our society become scared to let our kids play outside because of strangers, and our youth are becoming increasingly heavier, we as parents and adults who work with children have become too busy or scared to let our youth know they are our future and show them how amazing they are.
Another important point that Grasso made during the lecture was a reminder to me and sparked my goal with this article. Multiple research in non-competitive movement (play) since 1967 shows an increase in academic improvement in youth. Basically, our kids are smarter when they move. I believe we all know that or I had always hoped so. Hearing that reminder lit a fire under my butt and a finger up to the system.
As a parent I urge you to speak with your school district, school and teacher. Our kids need more activity in school, and our system doesn’t need anymore money taken away from getting our children active. As a parent do what you can for your child but also open your mouth and encourage others to do the same. Our children are the future.
Rhonda Catt is a certified personal trainer in the North Okanagan. She can be reached at rhonda@cattconditioning.com.
