Pilates For Children UK
Pilates
Allstars makes fitness fun!
It is inevitable that children spend long
periods of time sitting down at desks and computers, or watching
television. The position they sit in can have long-term effects
on their posture and flexibility. Research has clearly shown
that flexibility changes during different stages of maturity,
and that there are periods during development known as "sensitive
periods", where a developing body becomes more adaptable
to flexibility training. In the case of young athletes, if the
correct bio-motor ability is not developed at the optimal time,
there can be a permanent loss of fitness and athletic potential.
Whilst clearly this is not of great relevance to most children
who are not young athletes, it still demonstrates just how important
flexibility exercises are when children are growing.
Different age-groups have very different needs,
so their physical activity must be carefully planned.
Two to five age group
At this stage no flexibility training is necessary
as children are naturally flexible, and through play they will
put their joints through the necessary range of movement.
Six to 10 age group
During this stage, it is advisable for children
to carry out stretches to prevent a reduction of mobility, especially
in the hips and shoulders. The spine reaches its natural maximum
level of flexibility at around age eight, so care must be taken
not to try to increase its natural range of movement as this
can lead to spinal conditions.
10 to 13 age group
This is an important phase as children gain
more mass than height, and they get generally stronger and become
more active, so flexibility training should be increased. Without
this, children may get into bad habits which could reduce their
range of movements.
13 to 15 age group
This can be a growth spurt phase, and as muscles
and tendons do not elongate as quickly as bones, it is not uncommon
for children to experience stiffness across a number of joints.
Stretches can target muscles that are at most risk of tightness
due to bone growth, otherwise children can suffer injuries or
develop bad posture. It is common for children to experience
knee pain at this age, as the thigh bones outgrow the quadriceps
and hamstrings. Stretches can be used to target such areas.
15 to 19 age group
At this age children can intensify their flexibility
work and perform similar work to that of an adult.
Whilst the flexibility of each individual
is determined to a great extent by genetics, specific stretches
can help a young person achieve their potential, and avoid suffering
discomfort and bad posture which could have serious consequences
in later life. Exercise is also a very good habit to get into
as young as possible.
Why Pilates Allstars?
Pilates is one of the fastest growing fitness
activities in the world, as the benefits it can produce are
being fully appreciated by everyone from sports men and women,
to the general public. Pilates offers a range of different non-weight
bearing movements, which can all be performed at varying levels
of difficulty making them appropriate for children. The movements
are taught in a way that makes them fun and exciting.
Pilates Allstars - pilates
for children UK,
can run weekly sessions during school-time or as after school
clubs. All our instructors are fully qualified, insured, and
they all have the necessary CRB certification to enable them
to work with children.
If you are interested in organising
Pilates Allstars classes at your school or youth club, please
contact us for more details.
|
