Exercise Therapy For Kids
Exercise therapy (formerly Pilates) is often thought of as an activity for adults, however it is just as effective for children and is something that can be done at any age or ability. There are many reasons why you should bring your child to Pilates:
Physical Activity
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children get 60 minutes of exercise each day. While a child’s exercise should focus mostly on aerobic endurance, strength training is also recommended 2-3 times per week. Pilates incorporates a variety of both and can be altered to suit the needs of the child.
Focus
One of the most important benefits of Pilates for children is increased focus. Many of the poses and postures taught in Pilates require your child to focus on one part of the body, count breaths and move slowly. This can teach greater focus in other areas of his life including school and sports.
“The emphasis on breathing allows us to focus our minds on what our bodies are doing. Pilates is all about using breath more effectively so we can increase awareness and focus in our every day lives,” explains Moira Merrithew, STOTT PILATES co-founder.
Improve Posture
Children today spend a large percentage of their lives in front of screens and electronics. Hunching over video games and computers may cause poor posture and subsequent back pain later in life. Pilates requires perfect posture and a neutral spine. As your child learns what it means to maintain a neutral spine, those techniques can be integrated into everyday life, improving posture at school and at home.
Improve Sporting Ability and Reduce Risk of Injury
Pilates is great for teens getting into highly competitive sports. It is the ideal complimentary activity for high school athletes who participate in hockey, running, rowing, basketball and swimming among others. It improves technique and reduces the risk of injury. Pilates is the basis for improving posture, and increasing strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.
Self Esteem
Pilates helps children gain awareness of their body and how it works. Pilates improves the way the body functions, looks and feels. Pilates can assist with weight management in younger people as this form of exercise strengthens and lengthens core muscles without adding bulk. Children can learn to love their bodies no matter what.
Catering to all levels, Pilates allows each child to succeed at what they are doing. This makes them feel good about themselves and can carry on to other areas of their lives. Pilates is also interesting and fun and changes each time you attend!
The Benefits of Pilates for Children:
* Body Awareness
* Mental Concentration
* Improve Posture
* Injury Prevention
* Strength & Flexibility
* Weight Management
* Self-Esteem & Confidence
* Coordination & Balance
* Fun form of Exercise
* Social
(Private Health Fund Rebates apply.)
Best Wishes.
Written by Alison Jeffery - Physiotherapist, Women’s Health Specialist &
Pilates Instructor.
To see our Physiotherapists or book in for a Pilates consult, book an appointment with us online today or call our team on 07 55 04 7000.
