What Children Can Teach Us About Exercise

Watching children playing is eye opening. If you really pay attention, you can actually pick up some great tips on how to exercise effectively as an adult. Here is a list of What Children Can Teach Us About Exercise:

Children squat perfectly. In fact, their form doing just about anything is perfect, but the ability to squat correctly is what so many adults have lost. When I train a client, the first thing I work on is correcting and improving their squat form. It’s not just to be sadistic – watch a child, they are squatting to pick things up, to get closer to something, to just hang out while they focus on something. It should remain a natural and comfortable pose for us into adulthood!

Children are happy playing, both in a group or alone, while checking in only occasionally with their parent or caregiver. Who knows how helicopter parenting will affect kids? What I do know is very few adults work well with a micro-managing boss who hovers over their shoulder, involved in every aspect of their work. Independence runs rampant at the playground – as it should! As a trainer, I know I can’t give a client 10 different cues, or they’ll become overwhelmed and be unable to do the exercise well. It’s always better to let a client work out how to more effectively do an exercise based on how they’re feeling, cueing adjustments for safety. What I want to do is have a client be able to do that same exercise when they’re working out by themselves.

Kids are good at compromise. Sure, their sharing skills maybe need some coaching, but they seem to instinctively know it’s easier to get along if they’re willing to compromise. I’ve watched my son Roman (who isn’t quite at the talking stage yet) take a toy from another child while simultaneously handing him or her a replacement. Likewise, if he tries to play with something belonging to an older child, they quite often tell him ‘no’ but offer him something else to play with. If there’s something you want to do at the gym, but the equipment you need is being used, be flexible and able to compromise by trying something else.

Children play and get exercise simply for the pure joy of running around like crazy people. Our favorite ‘game’ to play with Roman is to go to a big open space in the park, tell him we’re going to ‘get him’, then watch him bolt around, squealing with joy while we ‘try’ to catch him. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing for exercise, you’re never going to stick with it. Find what makes you squeal with joy. (Metaphorically, if you feel awkward about squealing in public).

Children aren’t afraid to fail. Kids will pretty much try anything. I’ve watched children at the monkey bars try, try, try again. Even if they still can’t quite do it, it doesn’t seem like they get frustrated or think of it as failing. They’re just trying. While obviously I can’t read their minds, I imagine they just think to themselves, ‘Next time I’ll make it’. Don’t avoid trying something you think you’d enjoy just because you’re nervous about not being very good at first. Think about it just as trying, rather than having to get it right the first time.

Children are great at playing alone. Even if you’re the kind of person who loves to exercise with others, it can be a great escape to have some form of exercise where you can just be by yourself. Or, find time to reflect or meditate by yourself.

Kids don’t need a gym. They don’t even need a designated play area. Anywhere can be a playground and any time is a good time to stop an move their body for fun. Dancing, running, impromptu yoga – whatever, whenever! 🙂

Children know that playing and exercising is a great chance to bond and form friendships. Working out with a friend or loved one can be a great way to enhance your relationship while you’re getting fit. For inspiration, check out this great blog post about strengthening a marriage by working out together.

Children give it their all. Whether they’re running around, digging in the sand, playing on their scooter, or having fun on the swings, it’s not often you see a child being led willingly away from playing. They have fun until they are completely spent. While I’m not suggesting every time you exercise it should be to exhaustion, you should be making your best effort during your workout.