Triathlon for Youth: A Vehicle for Parents to Give Children Athletic Success

I recently expanded my USAT Level 1 certification to include a Youth Specialization and have started two youth teams in my area. At the training they emphasized that nine out of ten cyclists do not wear a properly fitting helmet. I found that to be true of these new triathletes so I wanted to take a moment to remind parents of the importance of their child wearing a helmet and having it secure and fitted. If it slides when you push back on it, it will not offer them the protection you are seeking and may, in fact, do more harm than good.

Every day I hear from parents who want to work out and help their children to be fit but just can't find the time. Fitness for weight control and health does not need to be time-consuming. Consistency is the most important variable to ensure your success. Exercising Values saves you time by telling you exactly what to do each day to improve your child's fitness and to improve your own fitness. It is also a firm foundation for your child if they later become interested in triathlon,gymnastics,basketball,soccer or any other sport. It instills both the skills and the character and discipline that foster athletic success.

Just like we want to put a helmet on our child's head before we send them out to ride, we need to protect them from the ideas and thoughts that come into their mind from sources that don't have their best interests at heart. A considerable amount of marketing is aimed at children trying to persuade them to eat or to behave a certain way.

A child that learns to eat well, exercise and experience athletic success is less likely to give into peer pressure to smoke, to be sedentary, or to  look to drugs or alcohol. But beyond avoiding damaging habits, they will be drawn to the habits of proper nutrition,hydration and sleep and to the character qualities of team work, self discipline, and endurance. They will learn to be good sports and to be persistent,disciplined,and organized. Triathlon and many other sports require considerable organization and time management. Beginning early with the daily fifteen minute Exercising Values workout lays the foundation for working exercise and athletic practice into your day.

Stay safe this summer and implement a physical fitness plan for your family that will enhance everyone's health and self-esteem. Create success through consistent action. Work out together as a family and then add a sport or team when the time seems right. Positive early experiences with movement and sport open up a world of possibilities for your children. Protect them from the dire consequences of a sedentary lifestyle the same way you protect them with a helmet. Be sure your choice fits. It needs to fit into your busy lifestyle and it needs to reinforce the family values you believe are most important. It needs to fit with the overall goals you have for your family. It should be enjoyable and effective. so check the "fit" and then hit the road to better fitness, adventure and fun.