At a loss regarding physical activity

[Anonymous]

DS 13 has significant anxiety and OCD. He is a strong student and participates in a few school activities like debate and band. My concern though is that he doesn't do much in the way of physical activity, which is unfortunate because I know that physical activity can be an anxiety/stress reliever. He is overweight as a result and though we try to provide healthy eating options, portion control is still an issue. DH and I try to take family walks, bike trips on weekends, etc., but it would be much easier if we could just find an activity for DS to join. Team sports weren't his thing, but at the same time he doesn't like the one-to-one aspect of solo activities like tennis, fencing, etc. He is concerned that he will lose in the one-to-one activities and his fear of failure prevents him from trying things that he might enjoy. This fear of failure is what helps in excel at school, but I feel that it is at an unhealthy level. I guess this is just a vent unless someone can suggest some magical activity that isn't individual or team based, that doesn't involve competition, and that allows DS to get his heart rate up....and most importantly feel good about himself. The only thing that we've come up with is rock climbing and that was a no go with him.

[Anonymous]

Rock climbing is great for my daughter with anxiety

[Anonymous]

Cross Country/Track and Field. Crossfit also has teen classes at some locations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: DH and I try to take family walks, bike trips on weekends, etc., but it would be much easier if we could just find an activity for DS to join.

This statement stands out most to me here. Why can't you participate more - go out every day with DS? Especially now with DST / longer daylight hours. It's a great motivator for DS, and demonstrates commitment, instead of "just find an activity" for him to join.

[Anonymous]

What about getting him a dog that he walks in the morning and night? He can bond with it, show it off to friends etc. but it's his to walk?

[Anonymous]

Put a basketball hoop in your driveway. Give him a basketball. Put a speaker hooked into your music in the garage and let him open the garage door.

My son spent HOURS in the driveway listening to music and throwing baskets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: DH and I try to take family walks, bike trips on weekends, etc., but it would be much easier if we could just find an activity for DS to join.

This statement stands out most to me here. Why can't you participate more - go out every day with DS? Especially now with DST / longer daylight hours. It's a great motivator for DS, and demonstrates commitment, instead of "just find an activity" for him to join.

OP here. We try and have done more with the improved weather, but it's hard with both of us working and shuttling his siblings around. DS also makes excuses to go with us, whereas with a defined activity there would be more of a commitment that he makes so there is less chance of backing out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about getting him a dog that he walks in the morning and night? He can bond with it, show it off to friends etc. but it's his to walk?

Op here. We have a dog and he walks him...to an extent. It's just not an everyday thing, that's all.

[Anonymous]

OP - this is going to sound harsh.

But the reality is he'is a teenager and your ability to force him to either exercise or eat right is diminishing. You can absolutely control the food that is in your house, and eliminate junk food and you can lead by example (mom, dad and siblings all exercise together 5x per week).

It will take at least 8 weeks for a habit to set in.

[Anonymous]

Swimming really helps my kid be more mellow and less anxious.

[Anonymous]

Karate really helped us