Which Physical Activity for Teens & Preteens?
Related Pages: Overweight Teens & Pre-Teens ... Sports & Fitness for Teens ... Classes for Teens & Preteens
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Questions
- Seeking exercise ideas for preteen
- Affordable Personal Trainer for HS Senior girl?
- Low-cost physical activity for obese 13 year old son
- How to encourage - even require - exercise for 16 yo boy?
- Physical activities for a 14 year old
Seeking exercise ideas for preteen
Dec 2012
My 11 year old is energetic and active, but is not getting exercise outside of her school P.E. We gave her a bit of a break during the first semester of Middle School, but now want to find something fun and consistent keep her fit. She is pretty out of shape, but used to play soccer and is not interested anymore. Even once a week would be OK. Basketball is a possibility, but she is a beginner. Maybe Zumba? Any ideas? We live in Berkeley. Mom of Preteen
Regarding exercise options, I have been involved in youth Ultimate Frisbee for the last few years as a coach at my son's school (& playing a lot longer). A great sport for former (& current!) soccer players. There is a winter youth ''league'' (really weekly clinics & then games) at Gilman fields on Sundays, 2-4 pm for 10-14 year olds, 4-6pm for 14-18 y-o. More info here: http://www.bayareadisc.org/youth/leagues_winter2012.asp Michael
Your 11 year old daughter might enjoy our judo class. It is active, fun and we have several girls about her age. She will get good exercise but she will also gain both strength and confidence as her skills develop. I myself am a Berkeley parent with a 15 year old daughter and two sons who are off at college now. I also used to teach elementary school. I really enjoy using these experiences to work with our students. Our classes are very welcoming and supportive. We do have very successful competitors who compete nationally and internationally but most of our members just enjoy learning with us. You can find out more about us at www.hanabijudo.com. You are also welcome to contact me at my email address as well. Dan
Affordable Personal Trainer for HS Senior girl?
Nov 2011
Can anyone recommend a personal trainer for my daughter, a high school senior in Oakland. She played soccer for over 10 years but quit last year because of school demands. On her own she won't really push herself to exercise but really needs it. School offers minimal physical activity and school work is demanding and sedentary. When she played soccer she was in so much better shape and managed studying and other mental activity much better also - but she doesn't make the connection. I tried a personal trainer at my gym but was too expensive and it's hard for her to get to the gym on her own. Even someone to run with (would need to get her up to a high level first), do stretches, upper body, etc. would be great. If she could meet someone near Bart a few days a week that would be perfect. Thanks... mom wanting healthier habits
The Downtown Berkeley YMCA has over 700 teen members. We are definitely able to provide personal training, but we also have Teen Fitness Classes and many teens taking part in other fitness classes as well. If you are interested in taking a tour with your daughter, please don't hesitate to contact me at 510-665-3238 or the email provided. Eden eobrienbrenner [at] ymca-cba.org
Low-cost physical activity for obese 13 year old son
Nov 2009
Help! Our son has had weight issues since he was about 5 (he seems to have inherited the tendency to be overweight from his birth mother), but since he began to go through puberty last year, he has become obese. We are worried about his health. He eats pretty healthy, but does not like sports, but prefers to sit at a computer and play on-line games. I am looking for creative ways to get him moving more, doing something aerobic to burn calories. We are a one-income family with limted resources so we can't afford a personal trainer or a membership at the Y. I know I should be able to get him walking, but he just doesn't like it. His social life is nil. Are there any parents out there with overweight kids who have the same problem? Any advice is appreciated. Berkeley mom
Hello, Please contact me! I am the Director of Youth & Family Services at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA. You say you can't afford it, but we have a good financial assistance program and I can work with you to find good activities and solutions for your son that you can afford. You are right, personal training would still be expensive. But there are lots of other options. Your family are welcome to be my guest for a day and try it out! Our new youth fitness areas were designed with the obese child in mind. 510-665-3238 or email. Eden O'Brien-Brenner
I recommend calling the Berkeley YMCA to inquire about teen memberships. We have a family membership, but a couple of years ago my son's friend got a teen membership so hat he could go on his own. I don't remember the exact cost, but it seemed very reasonable at the time. Also, the YMCA has need based scholarships that you can apply for.
My son loves the Hilltop YMCA and goes regularly to workout (they have staff there to show you how to use the equipment) and play basketball. He made a really good friend there on the basketball court, and he has persuaded a couple of his high school friends to join as well. We love the YMCA because it is such a friendly, family-oriented place.
They also have reasonably priced athletic trainers on staff who could set up a work out program for your son. Some people pay for ongoing sessions, but others pay for a session or two, just to get started.
Have you checked with your son's pediatrician for recommendations? (If your son is overweight, it would be a good idea to have some medical oversight for any exercise program.)
Best of luck to you and your son. Happy YMCA mom
Have you considered bicycling? It's a great way to get out, burn calories and have some quality time together. Try the Bay Trail to avoid traffic and have a flat ride. Sometimes we'll ride down to the Bay Trail, do an out and back and then bus home!
The Berkeley Barracudas swim team (at King Pool) has also been great for my overweight child. There are other heavy kids, the head coach started swimming as a chubby kid, and we haven't heard of any bias.
Good luck and have fun! (Trying to be) Active Mama
How to encourage - even require - exercise for 16 yo boy?
Sept 2009
Hi - My son is an entering junior at Berkeley High. He has some athletic talent but has never really enjoyed sports, whether team or individual. We encourage him to ride his bike each day to school (about 1.5 miles each way), which he will often do, and he walks a dog about 15-20 minutes, 3 times a week. This year he has no mandatory PE, so he has no PE class on his schedule.
For his health, I believe he needs to find a way to exercise more intensely at least 3 - 5 times a week, and he agrees with me in theory. But so far he is unwilling to follow through, because he hates the way any activity would cut into his limited available time, and then there's no exercise he's tried so far that he really likes. He does like hiking and backpacking, but he's unwilling to do that each weekend with us because he loves his time with his friends in town. Any suggestions? Any one been in a similar situation? (Over?) concerned athletic mom
The Berkeley Y is close to Berkeley High and has am enormous array of options for everyone. The Y has a couple free days coming up, September 19 & 20. The public is invited to check it out. Please note; not all the regular classes offered at the Y are showcased on the 19th and 20th. The full Y schedule is on-line. Your son could inquire about classes that sound interesting to him, that may not be available on the 19th and 20th. The facility is wonderful. Rosalie
I think you may indeed be the over-concerned mom. Though I agree in principle that exercise is important and highly desirable, particularly in growing young people, I'm not convinced that it should be required beyond what they are required to do in school (and that isn't much...). Let me just say that as an adolescent, I was a couch potato and bookworm. AND I was overweight. Is your son overweight? Obese? It doesn't sound as if he is, and he's probably pretty healthy. Anyway, I am an exerciser now, big-time. Pretty much every day, and I love it. I feel bad without it. But it is definitely something that an individual has to decide for him- or herself. You can't really MAKE a person exercise, anyway. Have you ever seen the groups of kids who are out and about town in their gym clothes, supposedly jogging for their gym courses (this is a common sight in Albany)? Some of them are racing, some of them are dutifully jogging along, and others are lolly-gagging and strolling laughing in the back with their friends. You can continue to introduce your son to new things if he is willing: windsurfing or kayaking, mountain-biking or rock-climbing... but if he is not willing you face wasted $$, wasted time, and frustration. I would continue to offer him the good example of your own joy in exercise, continue to ask him to walk the dog and ride his bike and walk rather than being chauffeured, continue to invite him on outings, and one day he may get off his tush. still a bookworm, but former couch potato
Even though the school doesn't, you can require him to do a sport. For example, if he likes backpacking he might like the individual nature of cross-country running rather than a team sport. Indoor rock-climbing gym is another possibility. It's good to also build exercise into his life, as you have been doing. Suggest that he and his friends take a longer backpacking trip by themselves. They're probably old enough for the independence. Fiona
Physical activities for a 14 year old
May 2007
Hello, My daughter, going on fourteen, has recently expressed interest in starting some form of regular exercise. She is quite physical, and in good shape, but has never gotten into anything relating to athletics or movement. I personally believe that this has more to do with family dynamics than with her inclinations, but I say this only to stress that she isn't disinclined toward physical activities. One thing however, that she doesn't care for are sports, particularly team sports. So, no soccer, tennis, track, etc. I've been thinking along the lines of yoga, Akido, or dance, but want to find an environment that is friendly towards and has beginning classes for girls her age (one issue that keeps coming up is that many girls have been taking these things since they were young, and consequently most classes for her age are at the intermediate or advanced levels). If anyone has had good experiences anywhere with this issue, or if you have other suggestions for other physical activities for young teenage girls, I'd love to hear them. Many thanks. anon.
If your daughter is interested in martial arts, there are many many dojos in the Berkeley/Oakland area. Some of them have a lot of... male-dominant energy, but there are many that are more balanced. I was a member of Berkeley Cuong Nhu (on San Pablo @ Hearst) for five years and I found it to be very comfortable place. They have classes just for teens, so teens starting out aren't going to get stuck in kiddie classes and after some training they will have the option to join the adult classes as well. (There are also Cuong Nhu dojos in Berkeley, Emeryville, and Oakland that are all headed by women.) If you're shopping around, consider a dojo that lets you try a class for free, rather than signing up for a commitment beforehand. Krysten
Run, do not walk! Check out the Iron Works,800 Potter St, at the bottom of Ashby Ave in Berkeley. It is where the Whole Earth store used to be. My 15 year old son asked for a membership, and I was thrilled when I went to look. k
Many young people who don't enjoy organized (or unorganized) sports really enjoy Dance, Dance Revolution, a video game that is fun and also provides excellent aerobic exercise. Schools across the U.S. are experimenting with this excellent resource. At home you'd need a Play Station or X-Box, a DDR program, and an electronic mat: not a huge outlay of cash for something that provides great exercise and lots of entertainment. My grandchildren enjoy it and so do I. At the age of 60 I'm consistently exercising for the first time in my life--and loving it! caroline
My daughter was never that big on organized sports either, although she backpacked and hiked from a very young age. She was hesitant about tree-climbing while other kids were high up in the branches, so we signed her up at Ironworks for climbing after school when she was in 4th or 5th grade. She has been climbing ever since, and she is now a freshman in college, where rock-climbing is a popular class; she even went ice-climbing for the first time this winter. Rock climbing has made her very strong physically and it was a great confidence booster. You don't need to compete, except against your last best climb, and there's a cooperative element when you have a partner to belay you. The kids in the Ironworks classes seemed eager to encourage eachother and my daughter made some good climbing pals. I suggest you call and see if there is a beginning class for your daughter's age range if she seems at all interested. anon
Hi Anon, I think your daughter would really like the yoga class I teach for teenagers in the Oakland/Piedmont area. The class is small, and all the girls who come are beginners between the ages of 13 and 17. It's a warm, supportive atmosphere and a lot of fun. It's also a small class so she would get tons of individual instruction. If you have any questions about it please email me. Erica
What about fencing for your daughter? The El Cerrito Sport Fencing Center (off of Central just before the overpass to Costco) is a great place for young kids and teens. Both my boys, 11 and 16 have been taking classes there for a while. Great teachers,great group of kids. www.sportfencingcenter.com The owners are Karen and Darwin Martos. Hope it works out. anon
It is important to encourage anyone who wants physical exericise to do it. 24hr Fitness and the YMCA have great deals and facilities. She can go to classes or meet a time or two with a trainer and follow her own routine. If she is not interested in competitive sports please consider non competitive options like hiking or biking. Also you can hire a tennis, or swim instructor for a few private sessions and then find time on her own to practise. I am sure the people on this list have great ideas. Remember that most programs have at least a one time or first week free deal, ask when you call, and she can try things til she finds something that works. It needs to be something you can get her to and that works in your budget. claudia
There's a ton of dancing going on locally. Lots of it needs no skill or training and is free, and she can take a friend. Check out folk-dancing at UC, contra dancing every week (see calendar at www.sffmc.org or look up Bay Area Country Dance Society), Irish dancing Monday nights at the Starry Plough (free lessons at 7:30 or 8, dancing at 9). Then there's the ballroom dancing scene-- my favorites are the historical recreations like the Gaskell Ball in Oakland and the Regency-era balls put on by PEERS. And Fezziwig's warehouse, which is part of the Great Dickens Christmas Faire, has been attracting young people as participants/actors (workshops start in November; google Red Barn Productions). found dancing late
My son was like your daughter. Then about two years ago he started taking circus classes. If she has any interest at all in this I highly recommend it. My son is now part of the City Circus in San Francisco and loves it. It is a mixed age group (10 - 18) yet are all friends and look out for each other. The kids celebrate being unique, strong and healthy (you won't see them all dressed alike) They each have their talent, strengths and weaknesses and to tell you the truth I have never seen such a supporting group of kids, constantly encouraging and helping each other. They have become my son's social circle and I am sure they are a good part of the reason he's getting through BH as well as he is. There is a circus for youth on this side of the bay (Splash) and two in the City (Acrosports and ....) They all offer classes. My son is at Acrosports and he started at 14. Happy momma of a happy 16 year old
We have had a wonderful experience with the Raptors running group. They usually meet on Sunday mornings in Albany or Berkeley. You can just show up. This link has directions on how to join their Facebook group. the RAPTORS - How to Join the Raptors Facebook Group (runningraptors.com)
Not exactly fresh air, but you might consider fencing -- I signed my son up for similar reasons years ago, not really knowing anything about it, and it turned out to be the perfect fit for him. It turns out the Bay Area is actually a hotbed of fencing. An organization called The Bay Cup organizes regular tournaments held at the various local clubs -- it's a wonderful community and you can just participate for fun, but if your child ends up getting serious about it there are also world-class coaches and fencers right here. We started at the Sport Fencing Center in Richmond -- it later moved to El Cerrito and the website hasn't been updated for a few years so I'm actually not sure whether it's still open, but there is a new-ish club called the West Berkeley Fencing Club that looks good. There are multiple clubs in San Francisco that you might also consider -- two that I can recommend as having wonderful coaches are Halberstadt, in the Mission, and M Team, which is all the way in the Outer Sunset but is worth the drive if your child eventually wants to get serious about competing. That's where my son ended up (there was, and I'm sure still is, a carpool from Berkeley) and to my surprise, in spite of the focus on competition, we found M Team to be a warm and supportive environment with just as much emphasis on being a good person as on winning fencing bouts. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!
We have a Shaolin monk come every Monday after school to teach at Strawberry Creek Park in Berkeley. It's amazing! Our 11-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter both love it. After some training period where they had to do something hard for a while, they are loving the newfound strength and power they're developing.
PM me & I'll send you the phone number for our coordinator
My son (12) and daughter (9) both study karate at Karatedo Shinyokai on Fairmount in El Cerrito. It is a wonderful dojo, they have kids of all ages as well as a separate teen class for ages 12+. Sensei Mark is wonderful with the kids, and there is a strong tradition of the advanced students assisting in teaching the more junior students which has allows my son to really develop as a leader. If you go to the dojo during the year you can also attend summer camp, which has lots of fun activities such as weapons, calligraphy, and sushi-making. The style of Karate is gōjū-ryū, a rather traditional Okinawan style with hard and soft techniques. Both my kids (who are quite different) love it!
Thank you so much for these suggestions. We are set to do some trials in the next few weeks.