Rethinking Kids Fitness: Transforming from Coach to Playmate in the Dad Olympics
As a fitness coach, I’ve spent years honing the art of pushing athletes to their limits, crafting meticulous training plans, and emphasising discipline in physical endeavours. Naturally, when it came to encouraging my kids to stay active and healthy, I defaulted to what I knew best—the coach’s mindset. But here’s the twist in the tale: this approach didn’t just fall flat. It completely missed the mark with my kids, who were distinctly anti-sport. The realisation hit hard, stirring a mix of professional embarrassment and personal disappointment.
The journey of reevaluating my approach has been humbling and eye-opening. It led to the creation of something we now excitedly call the "Dad Olympics" – a series of games designed to infuse fun into fitness and draw my children into the world of physical activity, not through coaching but through play.
The Misstep of Coaching Over Playing
Initially, my approach was technical and structured, perhaps too rigid for children's light-hearted spirits. I focused more on form, endurance, and the mechanics of each physical activity. Unsurprisingly, this method was met with resistance and a lack of enthusiasm. The phrase "anti-sport" began to describe my kids, a concept that was alien and somewhat painful for me to grasp, given my profession and passion.
The Birth of the Dad Olympics
The turning point came when I realised my kids didn’t need a coach; they needed a playmate. This epiphany birthed the Dad Olympics, a playful competition that includes everyone in the family and focuses on fun rather than form. It’s not about how many reps you can do or how fast you can run—it’s about laughter, creativity, and healthy competition.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the games we invented:
Soccer Ball Planks: This game requires core and coordination as we roll soccer balls under the kids, raising them into a plank position.
Pool Noodle Planks: Agility and strategy are required here. The goal is to get into a plank position and avoid pool noodles with your arms.
Simultaneous Throwing and Catching of Two Balls: This tests our reflexes and hand-eye coordination as we throw and catch balls in a synchronised fashion.
Boxing: We set up a small, kid-friendly boxing station where we teach the basics of the sport, focusing on movement rather than contact.
Tower Of Doom Drop: The kids balance a pool noodle on its end, let go and have to run and catch each other's noodle before it hits the ground.
Check out the exercises here:
Engaging as a Dad, Not Just a Coach
What makes the Dad Olympics special is not just the activities themselves but also the way in which they are conducted. I participate in every game, not as a referee or coach but as an equal competitor. This involvement has shown my kids that fitness can be communal and exhilarating. It’s also given me precious insight into their likes and dislikes, helping me tailor activities that they look forward to.
The Transformation in Attitude
The transformation has been remarkable. Once reluctant to engage in any form of structured exercise, my children now ask when the next Dad Olympics will be. They're learning that staying active doesn’t have to be a chore or a competition—it can be a part of our daily playtime. It’s a lesson that I cherish as much as they do.
The Broader Implications
This experience has taught me an invaluable lesson about parenting and coaching: flexibility and creativity are crucial in encouraging kids to embrace fitness. The success of the Dad Olympics has also encouraged me to share this concept with other parents struggling to get their children interested in physical activity. Making fitness fun and a family fun event can turn even the most reluctant child into an eager participant.
In conclusion, the journey from a coach’s mindset to a dad in the Olympics of backyard games has reshaped my approach to parenting and deepened my understanding of what it means to be truly present with my children. It’s not about moulding them into athletes but inspiring them to move, play, and find joy in the activity. As I continue to develop new games and challenges, the goal remains the same: to keep fitness fun, engaging, and a source of bonding for our family.