An obese child does NOT need to sit on the sidelines while thinner kids participate in sports.
There are plenty of exciting sports that fat children can excel in or just plain gain loads of self-confidence.
Parents of obese, “fat” or overweight children should enroll them in a sports program that does not require painful running or jumping – the two activities that give obese children the most difficulty and can lead to a lot of self-consciousness during participation.
However, if your obese son or daughter wants to take up a sport that involves running or jumping, you should absolutely encourage them and make sure they understand the importance of warming up adequately and not over-training.
Wouldn’t it be great if your overweight child were hooked on a sport in which they would never feel pressure to lose weight?
The following sports are ideal for overweight and obese kids:
Martial arts. Before you think, “Wait, my daughter is too heavy to do a flying side kick,” this is primarily a movie stunt and often limited to tournaments and demos. I have many years of training in the martial arts, so trust me on this.
Shutterstock/Kaderov Andrii
I’ve seen obese children very close to doing the splits, and they can learn how to proficiently throw ground-based kicks, plus do all the upper body strikes.
They can learn judo moves like throws and sweeps, and become skilled at ground grappling, jiu-jitsu and hapkido (joint manipulation). They can also learn to break boards for competition.
Softball (or baseball). Yes, in softball kids run, but it’s not long-distance running. An obese child can be a great hitter and won’t need to sprint the bases.
An overweight boy or girl can train to move quickly as a baseman, and of course, a hefty young athlete can become an outstanding pitcher.
Powerlifting. Older obese children can learn powerlifting and never feel the pressure of having to be thin. Powerlifting will not make heavy boys and girls bigger.
Shutterstock/Miljan Zivkovic
It will burn fat and encourage healthier eating, which will promote fat loss and a less-hefty appearance. It will drive their self-worth through the rooftop.
The reason many adult competitive powerlifters carry some extra body fat is because this sport has a unique appeal to overweight men and women who were never able to excel at more traditional sports that require running and fast changes of direction.
But powerlifting will NOT increase the amount of fat in the athlete’s body.
Weightlifting will not stunt growth, either. Smoking and poor nutrition will.
The illusion that weightlifting will stunt growth is fostered by the fact that often, a short person will seriously take up weightlifting to compensate for lack of height and will develop impressive muscle along the way.
Tall people do not feel anything is “lacking” and hence, may not be driven to build muscle. Nevertheless, there are plenty of prolific powerlifters over six feet.
Obese children deserve to participate in sports as much as normal-size girls and boys.
Do not deprive your heavy child of this opportunity. Not all sports require endless running, jumping or fast displays of foot agility.
Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified through the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness she trained women and men of all ages for fat loss, muscle building, fitness and improved health.
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