When I was young, growing up playing and practicing basketball was my life. Actually, it was my life for 25 years and always will play a huge role (by the way I’m still a killer on the court). I gave everything I had and achieved a lot. I was fortunate as I had some really good coaches when I was younger that instilled all the right things in me and I am truly grateful to them all. I also had some shitty coaches that got me injured (through improper training) and did not do much for my confidence, motivation or personal development. Think about that though, one coach can influence your life for the better while another one can steer you the wrong way (it can be completely unintentional).

 Many coaches and parents treat their kids like they are mini elite athletes (real early specialization in a certain sport and drilling them day in and day out) and train them that way too. That is a surefire way to early injuries and phsycological breakdown of kids. I have seen it happen time and again and instead of just disagreeing with these methods I decided to take action. 

This is why I have become very involved in youth training, which is also why I became a certified member of the IYCA (International Youth Conditioning Association - the leaders in youth fitness & athletic development education). The main thing that attracted me to this organization is the passion that they have for changing the lives of kids. Whenever there is such passion for a cause that is close to my heart I am definitely in!

But there is a huge challenge as there has never been as many obese kids, unactive kids and athletic injuries in youth sports. Where do we start? I believe much of it should begin with the parents. You have to be a role model for your kids, from eating right, playing with your kids and encouraging activity and sports. I don’t want to hear anything from you if you are eating like crap and watching TV for hours and then wandering why your kid is overweight. Education is also a huge factor as parents don’t know what is right or wrong when it comes to youth training. If you care enough for your kid then do some research so that you can make sure that your kids are getting what they need.

I will tell you what they don’t need, an exercise game on the damn Wii! “It’s better than nothing”, is what I hear a lot. You must be crazy! It’s just like saying that a low calorie Twinky is a good food choice when trying to lose weight. What happened to kids playing outside all day and moving around, that’s what people did 20 years ago and tell me what the obesity rates were then?! I get real ramped up about this because I care and I will make a change (not try but will). If you can change the life of a kid through proper training and development and create a domino effect then maybe we can save a catastrophy from happening.

I found this going through some videos and thought it was funny yet ironic as it was exactly what what we were discussing with some coaches at the fitness seminar I am attending.

Are we becoming Wiidiots? 

Let me know what you think about the condition of today’s youth and their training, influences and parent’s participation in the issue.

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