physical activity for non-sporty kids

[Anonymous]

Can he sign up for something with a friend - a pickleball class (hugely popular) for example.

Shoot some hoops, batting cages, tee off with a bucket of balls?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can he sign up for something with a friend - a pickleball class (hugely popular) for example.

Shoot some hoops, batting cages, tee off with a bucket of balls?

I agree with this poster. He has to do activities with friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can he sign up for something with a friend - a pickleball class (hugely popular) for example.

Shoot some hoops, batting cages, tee off with a bucket of balls?

I agree with this poster. He has to do activities with friends.

OP here. I know PPs intentions are good but it’s clear you don’t know “nerdy” teen boys like my son. All his friends are into the same stuff (D&D, robots, video games) so suggesting they go to batting cages is a little hilarious. My son and his friends are like the guys from big bang theory to paint a picture. We are trying to appeal to his scientific side by listening to podcasts about the benefits of exercise on the brain, life span, etc. but teens don’t really like to think that far down the road.

[Anonymous]

My children have similar interests (d&d, robotics) and have also enjoyed being on the intro rock climbing team at Movement (formerly earth treks). Low key, non competitive, kids improve at their own pace.

[Anonymous]

FWIW while I get the people who say you have to do at least one activity for your body we never made our kid do that— although we do try to go for walks etc.

My kid did martial arts for a while, but stopped, then during the pandemic started taking more walks, then in college found exercise classes they like.

I guess my point is it might be ok if they have a couple years without a clear activity outlet— they can still find their way to doing something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can he sign up for something with a friend - a pickleball class (hugely popular) for example.

Shoot some hoops, batting cages, tee off with a bucket of balls?

I agree with this poster. He has to do activities with friends.

OP here. I know PPs intentions are good but it’s clear you don’t know “nerdy” teen boys like my son. All his friends are into the same stuff (D&D, robots, video games) so suggesting they go to batting cages is a little hilarious. My son and his friends are like the guys from big bang theory to paint a picture. We are trying to appeal to his scientific side by listening to podcasts about the benefits of exercise on the brain, life span, etc. but teens don’t really like to think that far down the road.

DP. I totally get it, and in my case, it’s a “nerdy” son and an artsy daughter, neither of whose friends are big on physical activity at all, so pushing that angle doesn’t work. It’s hard as an adult for whom exercise is a huge part of my life. I just want them to get up move without having to be constantly prodded.

[Anonymous]

We did a lot of weekend hiking, which was really walking on trails. As a family activity. My son enjoyed being outside, just needed a reason to do it.
Also, I required/encouraged walking to and from school. We were far enough that it counts as exercise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just flat out told my kids to find something to do for their bodies or I'd find something for them. One took up indoor rock climbing, one took up yoga.

I also did this but it always ended up choosing something new for him to hate and then very quickly there's nothing left to choose/hate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, I appreciate the gym suggestions, however we have at home an elliptical machine, stationery bike, fitness trampoline, and many weights. When he’s super sedentary on the weekends we do force him to use this stuff.

I guess with high school approaching, I just would like to know what other parents are doing with kids like this, should I force him to do cross country? My husband and I exercise for fun so it feels bad to force this one child of ours. I am hoping his high school has ultimate frisbee bc he did take a liking to that in PE this year.

I have a kid a lot like this who is 17. Forcing cross country would be a bit much. It’s pretty intense at our school. Does he play an instrument? Marching band is at least some exercise. Do you have a dog that needs walking? Grass that needs weeding or mowing? I think you need to reorient from your super athletic viewpoint. That’s not who he is. You just want him to have opportunities to move his body.

[Anonymous]

NP here.

OP, I have one of these kids. Super into robotics, electricity, you name it. Now in college. Nothing different, except his school does require 4 PE classes. He will probably take "Walking" 4 times. He is underweight, with low muscle mass (in my personal professional opinion).

When younger he would ride the bike, do parkour (that was for quite a few years but the gym folded), some rock climbing, mow the lawn, and taekwando / summer swim when very young. Friends want to play video or board games. We got them to get together at the pool maybe 3 times all last summer where they last an hour or two.

I gave the tools and knowledge, it's up to him now. When home I say, come with me to walk the dog and he will sometimes. He would never suggest it. I have given him stretches and exercises for posture, we used to do them together, but i can only do so much.

[Anonymous]

NP. What about a ninja gym?

[Anonymous]

I make my kids on on brisk walks with me on the w'end and they have to walk to and from school. Sometimes they will go on the treadmill or a run with my DH.

[Anonymous]

I didn't really exercise at all in high school. I was naturally skinny and just focused on studying. Now I exercise regularly and. Fit but still no hand eye coordination

[Anonymous]

I think you should just let them try everything and see what they actually enjoy. My favorite sport growing up was waterskiing, of all things. It was the only thing I really enjoyed and was good at. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity of doing it much. My DC loves horseback riding - it’s literally the only thing she enjoys. So from my experience, it’s not great to push a kid into a sport they don’t love and I am a strong believer there is a sport for each of us, we just have to find the one thing we like. Fwiw, my kids all hate waterskiing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you should just let them try everything and see what they actually enjoy. My favorite sport growing up was waterskiing, of all things. It was the only thing I really enjoyed and was good at. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity of doing it much. My DC loves horseback riding - it’s literally the only thing she enjoys. So from my experience, it’s not great to push a kid into a sport they don’t love and I am a strong believer there is a sport for each of us, we just have to find the one thing we like. Fwiw, my kids all hate waterskiing!

You chose two expensive sports that aren’t practical for most kids.