The Many Ways Kids and Teens Can Benefit From Pilates

Pilates is not just for adults. Children and teens can benefit from learning and practicing the Pilates method of exercising for strong bodies and flexibility.

Schools are even getting involved with teaching Pilates to school-aged kids. Local YMCA and even daycares are seeing the benefits of getting involved with offering kids and teens Pilates.

Not only is fitness a goal for introducing kids to Pilates but another benefit is that the kids report being able to focus better on school work and homework.

Despite the fact that there are obvious benefits for kids and teens to be doing Pilates those who are initiating the program or teaching it should remember that you must keep it fun or kids will not care about the benefits as much as the adults will.

When it comes to working with children listen to your instincts so that you can teach them the fundamentals of Pilates without boring them or getting over their heads. Be prepared to teach modified versions based on age and ability of the kids. If you are working one on one with a child this is easier to do. Once you get to know a class you will be able to modify with less difficulty.

Make sure the instructor can tailor the instructions to words and examples that the kids can understand (tailored to their age group).

Pilatesday.com/pits.html is a site where you can find out about Pilates In The Schools Initiative. The program is called the Pilates Method Alliance’s Pilates in the Schools (PITS) program. The program is geared for fifth and sixth grade students in the U.S.A. and is set up as a 10-week course. The course is for members of PMA and your school must submit an application in order to participate.

The program’s goal is to help combat the nation’s childhood obesity epidemic in the U.S.

On the Website you can watch a video of the pilot program.

There are plenty of kid’s videos coming out on the market showing kids how to use Pilates to get fit including:

Pilates for Tweens is a DVD showing teens exercising the fun Pilates way.

Classical Pilates is a DVD that demonstrates how safe and effective the Pilates exercises can be for children.

The Stott Pilates Fitness Fun Pilates for Kids DVD with Moira Merrithew is a 32-minute DVD that shows kids how to start a lifetime of health and fitness by learning Pilate’s exercises today.

As a parent, teacher or caregiver of a child or teen think about investigating the potential of kids and teens learning how to exercise in a fun way that will allow them to strengthen their bodies and become more flexible.