Jim,
I have an 8 year old and 6 year old and was looking to get them in some form of exercising. I watched an interview with you and Mark Rippetoe and talking about jumping and how you had your son doing it. What kind of program do you recommend I put them on and what age do I move them to weights?
Here’s how you “train” children in physical activity at those ages: play tag with them, go on the jungle gym with them, take them swimming, race them to the tree on the corner, go for a bike ride with.
For post-workout nutrition: Milk shakes, lemoneade, orange slices.
I don’t have a program for my youngest kid - he just has to do some jumps, squats, push-ups and play everyday. My wife calls it “Home P.E.” It started with 2 reps of each exercise when he was pretty young - just to develop habits (did I ever mention how important habits are?)
Just get them moving all the time: lots of bike riding, swimming, running around, hiking, running around with the kids in the neighorhood, playing on playgrounds, etc. We do year round schooling in our house and year round physical stuff; both are important. 20 minutes here and there makes a huge difference.
As far as weights, I don’t know if there is an exact time. I will say that make sure you feel confident and qualified to help them; my wife is a MUCH better “coach” at this point in his life. Once he gets to a certain point, I’ll probably be a better coach.
I think there is two trains of thought with parents; either they push too much or they have the attitude “If they don’t like it, I won’t push it.” Kids need to be pushed and need to be challenged.
Bottom line - jump, run, bike, swim, push-ups, monkey bars and lots of free play.
Thanks Jim, as always much appreciated.
Josh,
The other thing you should consider - after a certain point, you should hand your kids off to someone else. I ran into this. I’m their father, not their coach. Just like I never, ever train my wife; first she knows what she is doing but more importantly…I’m her husband/friend/lover in the night, not her coach.