Pilates for Children

[susan sommers]

Time once spent on physical or outdoor activity has been replaced by television, computer and video game time.
- Coalition for Healthy Children

“I like to play indoors better because that’s where all the electrical outlets are.”
- San Diego fourth-grader

Unfortunately today’s children are the most inactive generation in history. Our advancement is our kid’s downfall! The health of today’s children has been compromised by a culture of convenience and increasingly sedentary activity. Eating fast food, watching TV, playing video games, texting and computer time has become habitual while a nutritious diet and physical activity is on the downslide.

So what can we do about it?

Noone can dispute that parenthood can be demanding and stressful, but it also can be joyful and empowering. One thing as parents you can do is set an early example for your children and start making healthy choices for the whole family right from the start. As parents I suggest you also need to practice what you preach staying active and healthy so you can act as good role models as well. It’s no longer do what I say but instead it’s do what I do!

Pilates for Children Fitness for Their Future
Why Pilates?

A rigorous exercise regimen may not be beneficial for young children and may even be harmful. This concern stems from the fact that a young child’s developing skeletal frame may not be ableto handle the demanding forms of exercise in more aerobic-oriented or cardiovascular programs. For these children, a safer, healthier, low-impact workout is needed such as Pilates.

But what else will Pilates do for your chid? I will gladly tell you!

Body Image – Children learn body image by watching other people and generally comparing themselves to others.
Pilates can teach children in a safe environment that Every Body is different and that we can all embrace our body’s differences.
The beauty of Pilates is that each one of us may perfect a movement that someone else cannot do as well.


Movement - As children they will start to formulate the physical attributes that they will take through life. Posture, the way they walk, the way they bend over, etc. Pilates can help establish correct principles of movement that children will use for their entire lives. It will also create a balanced musculature that can alleviate pain and reduce the potential for injury now and as they continue to grow into adulthood.


Mind and Body - Because Pilates is a mind and body discipline, it can guide children to a stronger body, and a more relaxed state of mind. Working to strengthen their bodies can increase children’s self esteem, stamina, abdominal strength and sleep. That, combined with the focused breathing techniques essential to the exercises, can help children attain a much more serene and less stressful outlook. A healthy body is an energized body.

Pilates is for people at every age who want to look and feel their best! So mom what do you say....
Why not exercise with your child. It will be quality time spent not only exercising but strengthening a bond between you. Do what I do and let's do it together!

Susan Sommers is a Pilates Instructor in NYC

[Paul Murphy]

   Who is funding the inactivity model?

[Paul Murphy]

I want to thank Susan for her passion and energy .