SUMMER FITNESS FOR KIDS

Georgia heat and humidty makes it feel more than 100 degrees outside.  Children tend to gain heat faster than adults.  During exercise they may generate 20-25% more heat for their body weight than adults. Children have immature sweat mechanisms and are not able to cool as readily as adults. 

Keep drinks available at all atimes.  Plain water is the BEST for most athletes.  Athletes need to drink 4-8 oz of water every 15 to 20 minutes during activity. Do not let children load up on sugary sports drinks!  If a child seems overheated, put them on the sidelines.

Outside activities are best done in the mornings or in evenings when sun is not at its peak (peak sun is 10am-4pm).  Bicycling is a good activity to involve all family members. Many of the local parks have bicycle trails to ride away from car traffic.

Make sure you and your child wear a helmet. Set the example by protecting your head also. Make sure the helmet is snug so that 2 fingers fit underneath the chin strap. The helmet should not tilt front or back but sit level on the head.