Kids
While children should be encouraged to be as active as possible, it is important to bear in mind that they are not miniature adults - and should not be expected to train as adults do.
Endurance or weight training for kids is something which needs to be supervised very closely. They are still forming; their bones, organs and muscles still in development. While there is some debate over whether young children should lift weights at all, after the age of about 15 you can certainly introduce supervised strength training if they are keen, as their bodies will have developed sufficiently to withstand repetitive lifting of weights.
Encourage them to run around to their heart’s content, and to join sports clubs with their friends. Team sports don't just help physical fitness - it is also a great way for kids to learn the value of team work, and how to interact with others. But don’t push too hard – while obesity is becoming more and more of a problem in the computer age, so too is physical burn out in kids pushed too far by eager parents.
The best advice is to be a good role model. Let them pick up good eating habits from you, and let them see that exercise is a natural part of everyday life. Guide them, but let them develop their own games and interests - and don’t allow competition to take over from good old fashioned fun!
