Unlike adults, most kids are not interested in organized or supervised exercise programs. Children prefer activities that are typically considered free play. If you plan to set a regular exercise program for children understand that they do require education and motivation to participate in a regular routine.

Here are a few tips on teaching and motivating children to exercise:

Clear Training Objectives: If you are organizing a regular routine workout with children, set clear training objectives in a simple to understand manner.

Use concise instruction with precise demonstration: Show and tell is a simple but effective way to communicate the information.

Attentive Supervision: Many children lack confidence in their exercise abilities and appreciate adult supervision and encouragement. A qualified instructor can provide great motivation for young exercisers.

Appropriate Assistance: Strength training is often difficult for young exercisers. Provide a little manual assistance to guide them to a successful exercise experience.

One Task at a Time: Give children only one task at a time to ensure they do not become confused. This increases the probability they will progress successfully through the exercise session.

Gradual Progression: Take small steps with young exercisers. Do not introduce a new task until the first one is mastered. Better to have young exercisers learn the correct way to exercise than to un-learn the wrong way.

Positive Reinforcement: Increase a child’s self-confidence and satisfaction with exercise by giving them encouraging comments, personal compliments or a pat on the shoulder. Telling children they are doing a good job is one of the best ways to keep them doing a good job.

Specific Feedback: Positive reinforcement is much more meaningful when delivered with specific feedback. Giving a reason for your comment increases the value of the statement.

Careful Questioning: Children may be reluctant to give information that could be useful in selecting the right exercises. Try to ask questions that require more than a yes and no answer.

Pre- and Post-Exercise Dialogue: Spend some time before and after an exercise session in an enthusiastic conversation with the children. It will give you insight into what makes them tick.

Source: ACE Youth Fitness Book, 2001 

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