Experts recommend children get 60 minutes of exercise every day. Children’s exercise should include both aerobic endurance and strength training. Pilates for kids can be either high or low impact so it can serve as both types of training.Home Pilates can be taught using a DVD or other exercise program. Kids and adults alike should use a good quality yoga mat such as the to cushion movements on the floor. Pilates should be done on a firm surface. Image Source: Pilates is designed to increase flexibility, improve posture and increase concentration. The movements taught in Pilates help kids’ muscles and tendons flexible even as they grow older. This will be very helpful if they decide to participate in sports, gymnastics or dance. Many kids spend hours in front of the television or hunched over desks at school. Pilates can help counter those negative effects because the movements require proper spinal alignment and posture to be performed correctly. Home Pilates should always focus ondoing movements and postures correctly for form. It may be helpful to take a few structured classes with a trained instructor to ensure the exercises are done properly and safely. Kids will learn what it means to “maintain a neutral spine” through practicing Pilates at home, and they will be able to use this skill in their everyday lives. Image Source: Pilates can also help kids learn how to focus better on tasks. The exercises require the child to focus on one part of the body, pay attention to breathing and perform slow, controlled movements. This can generalize to other parts of their lives including school and sports. It has been shown that exercise can help kids focus their minds and control their behavior throughout their day. Doing a simple Pilates routine in the morning could show benefits all day long. Begin with simple movements such as knee lifts, side stretches and standing spine twists for vertical movement and flexibility. Add in some fun movements such as sit tall andslouch, spine rolls, balancing like a ball, ankle rolls and seated walks. These movements will help kids get fitter and relax when they are stressed. Whether the program is a home or formal class program, keep it fun. Kids enjoy activities with animal names so you may want to rename some of the exercises and poses with animal names. For safety, Pilates for kids instructors recommend avoiding exercises with inversions, such as the Jack Knife. Regardless of the exercise protect kids’ joints and spine by always using a yoga mat and performing the exercises on a firm surface. Talk with kids about the benefits of their home Pilate’s workout such as concentration, flexibility, posture, strength and feeling calmer. Use kid-friendly language such as “bring your belly button to your back” rather than adult language such as “work your core.” Pilates for kids will involve creativity on the part of the teacher/parent to keep it fun and at the kids’ level. Short URL: