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What is the Best Way to Improve My Child’s Athleticism?

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Helping your child develop strong athletic skills is one of the best investments you can make in their overall growth and well-being. Building athleticism goes beyond excelling in sports—it’s about helping children gain coordination, agility, strength, and endurance that can enhance their daily lives. Fostering these abilities early on encourages a lifelong love of physical activity, which supports both mental and physical health.

At Motus Integrative Health, we believe in a structured yet fun approach to athletic development to ensure long-term success for every child. Here are strategies you can implement to improve your child’s athleticism while also nurturing their overall development.

Start with Age-Appropriate Exercises

When it comes to improving athleticism, movement is key—especially in younger children. For kids under the age of 8, focus on exploratory play and motor skill development. Activities such as running, climbing, throwing, jumping, and balancing provide the foundation for strength and coordination. Games like tag, hopscotch, and obstacle courses are excellent options to keep children engaged while building physical literacy.

Between the ages of 8 and 12, prioritize general athleticism by introducing strength, agility, and speed-focused activities. Functional strength training involving bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups can be introduced in a safe and supportive environment. Remember, fun and variety are crucial at this stage to keep your child motivated.

For teens, more structured strength and sport-specific training is necessary to refine core athletic skills. Partnering with programs like our Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model helps young athletes optimize their training in alignment with their physical and cognitive growth.

Focus on Nutrition and Hydration

Nutrition forms the backbone of athletic performance. To support your child’s physical activities, provide a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Incorporate healthy fats like avocados and nuts to support growth and sustained energy levels. For younger athletes, regular snacks that include carbohydrates and proteins—such as a banana with nut butter or yogurt with granola—are helpful for fueling their activities.

Encourage hydration throughout the day to prevent fatigue and improve focus. Water is the best choice, but during intense physical activities, a sports drink may help replenish lost electrolytes.

Ensure Rest and Recovery

Rest and recovery are just as important as the exercises themselves. Adequate sleep—ideally 8-10 hours per night for younger children—allows the body to repair and grow stronger after physical exertion. Incorporate rest days into your child’s schedule to reduce the risk of overtraining and injury.

Stretching and light yoga can also aid recovery while promoting flexibility and relaxation. At Motus Integrative Health, we offer injury prevention services to help protect your child’s growing body from the demands of athletic performance.

Nurture Mental Well-Being

Athletic performance is as much about mental resilience as it is about physical ability. Confidence, positivity, and focus are vital traits for young athletes to develop. Encourage your child to view challenges as opportunities to grow rather than as failures. Praising effort rather than results can boost motivation and reinforce a growth mindset.

At Motus Integrative Health, mental well-being is a crucial part of sports performance. Our Wellness Coaching includes strategies to support focus, emotional regulation, and confidence—skills that benefit athletes on and off the field.

Programs and Services to Support Your Child

We offer services designed to enhance your child’s athletic growth and well-being. From Sports Performance training to Balance Training, along with personalized evaluations such as Gait Analysis and injury prevention, we provide tailored guidance to help children of all skill levels thrive.

If you’re ready to give your child the tools to reach their full athletic potential, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll create a supportive and sustainable path toward success. Whether your goal is improved fitness, preparing for competition, or simply ensuring their long-term health, we’re here to help every step of the way.

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Phone numbers

219-322-6942

Schererville

219-213-2315

Crown Point

219-924-2112

Griffith

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Three Northwest Indiana Locations

Schererville

Mon, Wed: 9am-4pm
Tue, Thu: 9am-6pm
Fri-Sun: closed

Crown Point

Mon-Thu: 9am-6pm
Fri: 9am-12pm
Sat-Sun: closed

Griffith

Mon-Thu: 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm
Fri: 9am-12pm
Sat-Sun: closed