3 QUIRKY & COOL for kids SPORTS

FUN FITNESS SOLUTIONS FOR EXERCISE HATERS!

All kids are different, and some don’t naturally gravitate towards sports. However, exercise is an important part of life, and for children, sport is about more than just fitness, with many teaching kids the value of being part of a team. Here are three different activities for your little one to try.

1 CHEERLEADING

“Cheerleading is great for kids as it offers such a variety of skills within the sport,” says program director of Perth’s TNT All Stars, Ellie Spowart. “Not only do kids get to learn important teamwork skills, they get to mix a range of tumbling, stunting, jumping, dance and performance together to create routines. It keeps things ever-changing and fun while also being challenging.”

2OBSTACLE COURSE

“Ninja-style obstacle courses are a great physical and mental workout,” explains head coach at Sydney’s Ninja Kids, Judith Carroll. “Not only do they help with brain functions through problem-solving and memory, they also exercise every muscle for improved muscular health, bone health and the cardiovascular system.”

“The gross motor skills in combination with the precision that they learn are transferable to other activities, from running and jumping to simply having good control when using a pencil,” explains Judith, who adds that these obstacle courses are a great bonding tool.

“Kids are also learning social skills. Ninja is a very supportive environment, where the kids are inspired to encourage their peers.”

3 SURFING

“Surfing is a great way to get kids up and moving while doing something fun, offering a full-body workout and improving physical strength and aerobic fitness,” says CEO of Melbourne’s URBNSURF, Damon Tudor.

“Standing up on a board and riding a wave can be challenging, but it teaches kids coordination and balance. Being a water sport, surfing also improves swimming… and confidence.”