Introduction

A recent study published in the journal Pediatric Exercise Science shows that people who started out as athletes as kids are more likely to become successful professional athletes. The study looked at a group of professional athletes and compared their childhood athletic experiences to a control group of non-athletes. The results showed that the majority of the professional athletes had participated in organized sports as kids, while the majority of the non-athletes had not.

The study's authors suggest that parents should encourage their kids to participate in organized sports, as it can help increase their chances of becoming successful professional athletes. Participation in organized sports can teach kids important life skills, such as teamwork and discipline, which can help them later in life.

It is never too early to start training your child to be an athlete. In fact, the earlier you start, the better. There are many benefits to being an athlete, and these benefits carry over into all aspects of life. Here are five ways to turn your kids into athletes.

1. Make sure they eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.

As a parent, you know how important it is to make sure your kids are eating healthy. But getting them to eat their fruits and vegetables can be a real challenge! In this blog post, we'll explore some strategies for getting your kids to eat their fruits and vegetables. We'll also show you why it's so important to make sure they're getting the nutrients they need.

The Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They're an important part of a healthy diet and can help protect against chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also improve mental health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of obesity.

Tips for Getting Your Kids to Eat Their Fruits and Vegetables

1. Set a good example.

If you want your kids to eat their fruits and vegetables, you need to eat them too! Make sure they see you eating plenty of fresh produce every day.

2. Get them involved in meal planning and prep.

Let them pick out new fruits and vegetables at the grocery store or farmers market. And involve them in cooking meals too! chopping veggies or fruit together can make mealtime more fun.

3. Make it fun!

Add some dip to their veggies or cut their fruit into fun shapes with cookie cutters. You can even turn meals into games - see who can eat the most carrots or stack the most blueberries on their pancakes!

4. Be patient.

It may take some time for your kids to develop a taste for new foods. But if you keep offering them, eventually they'll come around. And don't give up if they have a bad experience with a particular food - just try again another time.

As a parent, it's important to make sure your kids are eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that are essential for good health. They can also help protect against chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Getting your kids to eat their fruits and vegetables can be challenging, but it's worth the effort! Try involving them in meal planning and preparation, making meals fun, and being patient until they develop a taste for new foods. With a little persistence, you'll get there!

2. Help them exercise by playing sports or joining boot camp communities.

Athleticism isn’t just for elite athletes, aspiring Olympians, or future pros. In fact, being athletic has benefits for everyone—including kids! If you want your kids to be active and reap the many benefits of exercise, here are three ways to turn them into athletes.

Boot Camps For Kids

One way to get your kids involved in sports is by signing them up for boot camp classes. Boot camps are great because they introduce kids to a variety of different sports and activities. Plus, they’re a lot of fun! Here at Gold Medal Bodies, we offer boot camp classes for kids of all ages. From t-ball to soccer, your kids will have a blast while getting a great workout.

Sports Teams

Another great way to turn your kids into athletes is by signing them up for sports teams. This is a great option if your child has a particular sport that they’re interested in. Joining a team will not only help them stay active, but it will also teach them important life lessons such as teamwork and responsibility. Plus, they’ll make lifelong friends!

Play Some Games!

Finally, one of the best ways to turn your kids into athletes is by simply playing games with them! This can be anything from tag to basketball. Not only is this a great way to bond with your children, but it’s also a great way to get them moving. So next time you’re bored, consider playing a game with your kids instead of sitting on the couch watching TV.

3. Limit the amount of time they spend in front of screens like TVs, computers, and phones.

One way to help your child reach their potential is by Encouraging them to lead an active lifestyle. But with the allure of screens everywhere you look, it can be tough to get kids motivated to move. 

Here are a few ways that you can turn your kids into athletes by limiting the amount of time they spend in front of screens like TVs, computers, and phones: 

Encourage Active Playtime 

Whenever possible, encourage your kids to play outside instead of sitting in front of a screen. outdoor activities are a great way for kids to get fresh air and exercise while having fun at the same time. If you don't have a backyard, try taking your kids to the park or even just going for a walk around the block. 

Playing outside is also good for mental health as it can reduce stress and anxiety levels. So next time your kid asks to play on their tablet, suggest going outside instead and seeing how they react!

Make A Rule Against Screen Time 

One way to limit the amount of time your kids spend in front of screens is by making a rule against it. For example, you could say that screens can only be used on weekends or after homework is done. This will help ensure that your kids are getting enough physical activity during the week. Kids need about 60 minutes of physical activity every day, so it's important to make sure they're getting enough exercise. By making a rule against screen time, you can help make sure that happens. 

4. Encourage them to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

As any parent of a young athlete knows, getting kids to drink enough water can be a challenge. They're always on the go, and it's easy for them to forget to stay hydrated throughout the day. However, hydration is extremely important for kids' sports performance. In fact, according to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, "up to 75 percent of Americans may suffer daily from chronic dehydration." That means that properly hydrating your child before, during, and after practice or competition is essential to their health and success as an athlete. 

How Dehydration Affects Athletic Performance

Dehydration can negatively affect athletic performance in a number of ways. It can lead to impaired short-term memory and focus, increased fatigue, decreased reaction time, and reduced coordination. All of these effects can make it difficult for kids to perform at their best on the field or court. In addition, dehydration can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke—all of which are serious medical conditions that can have long-term consequences. 

What happens when you lose water? Well, blood volume decreases which makes the heart work harder. The body also has to work harder to maintain its core temperature. When muscles don’t have enough fluid, they can’t contract as efficiently which leads to cramps. Joints also need water so they can move smoothly and painlessly. So proper hydration is essential for optimal sports performance.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

The best way to prevent dehydration is to encourage kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day—not just during practice or games. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children should drink five or more cups of water per day. In addition, kids should avoid sugary drinks like soda or energy drinks, which can actually contribute to dehydration by increasing urine production. Here are some other tips for keeping kids properly hydrated:

  • Pack a water bottle in their school backpack every day so they have easy access to water throughout the day. 
  • Make sure they're drinking water with meals and snacks—not juice or milk—and encourage them to take a few sips every hour even when they're not thirsty. 
  • If your child is involved in outdoor activities or sports, make sure they're drinking extra water before, during, and after the activity to replace the fluids they've lost through sweating. 
  • When it's hot outside or your child is participating in a strenuous activity, consider giving them an electrolyte replacement drink like Gatorade or Powerade to help replenish lost electrolytes in addition to lost fluids. 
  • Avoiding caffeine altogether is ideal, but if that's not possible then at least make sure they drink extra water whenever they have caffeine since it's a diuretic that increases urine production and can contribute to dehydration.

Proper hydration is essential for optimal sports performance—but it's not always easy to get kids to drink enough water throughout the day. However, by packing a water bottle in their backpack and encouraging them to make smart choices like avoiding sugary drinks and caffeine, you can help ensure that your child stays properly hydrated and performs their best on the field or court.

5. Get them involved in activities they enjoy, like sports or dance classes

We all want our kids to be happy, healthy, and well-rounded. And one of the best ways to achieve that is to get them involved in activities they enjoy. But how do you know if your child will enjoy a particular activity? And what if they don't like sports?

The key is to find an activity that makes them happy, excited, and fulfilled. When children are engaged in activities they love, they're more likely to be motivated to be active. So make sure the kids will enjoy their sports! Here are some tips to get you started.

Choose the Right Activity 

Not all sports are created equal. Some kids will love football while others will prefer basketball. There is no right or wrong answer here. It's all about finding the right fit for your child. If they're not interested in the traditional team sports, there are plenty of other options to choose from, including dance classes, swimming lessons, or martial arts. The important thing is that they find an activity they enjoy and can see themselves sticking with long-term.

Encourage Participation 

Once you've found the right activity for your child, it's important to encourage their participation. This means cheering them on at their games or practices, helping them with their homework (if they have any), and being there for them when they need someone to talk to. by doing this, you'll help them feel supported and motivated to stick with their chosen activity. 

Set a Good Example 

Kids are always watching and listening, even when we think they're not. So it's important to set a good example when it comes to being active and eating healthy. If you're constantly snacking on junk food and sitting on the couch, chances are your kids will follow suit. On the other hand, if you're eating healthy and staying active, your kids are more likely to do the same. 

There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to getting your kids involved in athletics. But by choosing the right activity, encouraging their participation, and setting a good example, you'll be well on your way to helping them lead a happy and healthy life!

Conclusion

Encouraging your child to participate in activities they love is one of the best things you can do for their health and well-being. Not only will they be physically active, but they'll also learn teamwork, discipline, and other important life skills. So what are you waiting for? Get your kid signed up for that dance class or soccer team today!

Sources:

"5 Tips for Encouraging Kids to Be Active and Healthy." Verywell Family. N.p., 01 Feb. 2017. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.

"How to Get Your Kids Interested in Sports." Healthline. N.p., 01 Dec. 2016. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.

"The Importance of Being Active." KidsHealth - the Web's most trusted pediatric health information resource, updated monthly with new articles and videos. N.p., 01 Mar. 2016. Web. 02 Feb. 2017