HELPING YOUNG ATHLETES TO SUCCEED AND GROW HEALTHY

HELPING YOUNG ATHLETES TO
SUCCEED AND GROW HEALTHY!

Start of the school, for many young athletes, means the start of a new sports season. Rugby, football, track swimming, gymnastics, tennis…. you name it. At Max Burn Gym, we’re all about working your way towards successful new season! We’re also fully supporting engagements of juniors in activities just for the love of the game. After all, we believe that getting fit should be fun!

Definition of being successful has various levels, especially when it comes to kids and sports. For very young, fresh starters, a successful season may be one where they learn basic motor skills, basic sport-specific movements, getting an idea of the game and (maybe) its rules. Other kids, who already have an image of the whole idea of the game, may have goals such as mastering a specific skill or making it onto the school team. There are lots of ways how achieving the goals in sport can be connected to making an effort and create a healthy team culture (regardless if sport is group or individual).

A few tips on how kids can stay healthy and enjoy their sports activities as a fun and positive environment:

  •  Warm-up is mandatory before every training. Along with learning how to use equipment properly and being prepared (laces, proper clothes…) for practice, the warm-up is necessary to prepare the body physically and mentally for sport.
  • Hydration is essential. We can’t stress this enough. Anytime a young athlete is working up a sweat, they should have plenty of access to fluids. Small disposable bottles of water are really not enough, especially when the temperature is high. Have your child at least 1 liter of water, depending on the duration of sport practice or game.
  • Wise snacks at the proper time. Give your young athletes boost with good, clean nutrition. Healthy post-workout snacks free of processed sugars or balanced meals are especially important during days of resting. Healthy food is essential to boost energy levels, lower injury risk, speed up muscle recovery and increase concentration.
  • Practice regularly. Consistency improves the level of technique, injury prevention and a better understanding of the game. Regular participation is a sign of a healthy sport ecosystem. By encouraging it, two goals can be accomplished at the same time:
    • increasing the pool of participants from which to recruit and develop
    • creating youth athletes with a lifelong affinity with a sport that may well extend far into adulthood or even old age.
  • Injury Prevention. Sports provide immense benefits to our kids. With proper prevention, preparation and rest ratio, we can help keep them healthy, active and injury-free. No one wants to be out for the season due to an injury. While some accidents are unavoidable, there are many things you can do to help your child’s body be more resilient and also lessen the likelihood of serious injuries. Consult our kids-specialists for advice on proper equipment, stretching and warming up, and practicing good form.
  • Sportsmanship. Join the coaches at encouraging your child the important skills of respecting others on and off the field. Practice at home actions like an acknowledgment of results, listening to their coaches, following rules, and being a team player. Be a role model of good sportsmanship for your young athlete, by being supportive, practicing kindness to parents and players on the other teams, respect for coaches and officials, and hold your temper.