According to Su Hao, an associate professor at the Beijing Sport University School of Sports and Human Sciences, from a sports perspective, children under 12 should not participate in the following sports too early, and the choice of sports should depend on the child’s abilities and train in a scientific manner.
Endurance exercises
Children under 6 are not suitable for long distance running, climbing mountains, and other sports with a distance of more than 2,000 meters. Children aged 6-12 are not suitable for walking for more than 2 hours.
The reason is that the energy conversion of the respiratory system, circulatory system, and muscular system of children at this age is still insufficient, and the ability to supply oxygen cannot keep up with the level of consumption required by this type of exercise. Therefore, parents should not force their children to do endurance exercises for a long time.
Static exercises for a long time
Exercises in which the arms and legs remain still, with minimal movements such as planting bananas, lifting weights, standing squats, etc., will cause the muscles to be constantly strained and under pressure, leading to muscle tension in children. In addition, this form of exercise will compress the spine, waist, and chest, affecting the growth and development of children.
In fact, most children who start weightlifting early do not grow tall. The most important reason is that long-term static pressure causes the cartilage involved in height development to calcify earlier, making it difficult for children to grow tall.
Exercises with heavy equipment
Heavy exercise equipment such as dumbbells, barbells, will stimulate the child’s body with greater force. The reason is that the development of the child’s muscle groups is not yet complete, and excessive stimulation will not be beneficial for growth and development.
When children exercise with heavy equipment, they often hold their breath. Holding your breath will increase the pressure in your chest, impeding the return of venous blood. This type of early exercise is not beneficial for the normal development of the child’s cardiovascular function.
Suitable sports for children under 12
Depending on the child’s age and physical condition, parents can choose appropriate sports.
Children under 5 can learn rollerblading
Younger children are easier to learn rollerblading. Children aged 3-4 can start learning, as they have a small weight, relatively strong flexibility, and can easily control their balance.
Children can also learn sports with balls. Balls are moving objects that can stimulate vision, improve reaction ability, promote body control and coordination. For babies and young children in the rapid growth and development period, playing with balls is more comprehensive exercise.
After 3 years old, children can learn swimming
Children after 3 years old can play in the pool to nurture their interest. After 6 years old, children can start swimming with breathing, paying attention to mastering precise movements and trying to perform breath-holding exercises while still young. The swimming distance should gradually increase, and 200-300 meters is enough.
Children under 12 can participate in sprinting
You can let children practice short-distance running, 50 meters before the age of 12, and they can practice running 400 meters or 800 meters after the age of 12. The emphasis of exercise is on fun, so try to create interest for your child.
