Can a Personal Trainer Help Your Child?

By Stefanie Hamilton

December 26, 2008

Young people who are overweight or obese have lots of options for losing weight, including weight loss centers such as Weight Watchers, nutrition systems like the South Beach Diet, weight loss camps, and (believe it or not) even personal trainers.

Though it may seem unusual, more and more young people are turning to personal trainers (or their parents are turning them toward personal trainers) for the guidance and accountability they need to get and stay healthy. Some of these youth start at a weight-loss camp, and then use a personal trainer to help them stick with a healthy work-out routine once they're home again.

An Emerging Trend
According to the Boston-based Racquet and Sportsclub Association, more than 800,000 children ages six through 17 spent regular time with a personal trainer in 2005.

The high number is due to a combination of factors, including fewer physical education classes during school because of budget cuts, less activity outside of school due to computers and video games, and the dramatic rise in childhood obesity. Some kids are using personal trainers to improve their confidence, or increase their skill or performance in a particular sport.

Can Your Child Benefit?
The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that children as young as age eight could benefit from low-weight, low-resistance weight training.

If any of the following statements are true about your child, then working with a personal trainer might be a beneficial option:

He is uncomfortable playing sports, or doesn't like organized sports.
She is overweight or has other health issues that could be improved with regular exercise.
He needs a confidence boost or help with improved coordination.

Finding a TrainerIf your child has attended, or is currently enrolled in, a weight loss camp, staff members there may be able to direct you to personal trainers that have experience working with kids. A few weeks with a personal trainer can be an excellent follow-up to time spent at a weight-loss camp, helping solidify the lessons learned about health and exercise.

When looking for a personal trainer for your child, find one that meets the following criteria:

Has a national certification.
Makes the sessions fun and interesting.
Has experience working with children - and enjoys working with young clients.
Employs a training philosophy with which you agree.
Offers references from other parents.

Once you've found a personal trainer, go with your child to the first few appointments. This will not only help your child feel more comfortable, but will give you an opportunity to see how the trainer and your child interact and work together. If your child has recently returned from a weight loss camp, let the trainer know what exercises your child has been doing and what his or her progress has been. This will help the trainer develop an exercise program specific to your child.

Though it isn't for everyone, using a personal trainer can greatly benefit some children. Even just three or four sessions can help your child develop positive habits related to exercising and taking better care of her body.

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