Making Exercise Cool for Kids

One big problem for many kids is that they don't get time during the day to play and exercise. IDEA members are trying to counteract this inactivity by tapping into their own interests. 

Tim Haft, a New York City resident and IDEA member since 1998, is one fitness pro who is reaching out to kids through Punk Rope, his class which combines his passion for jumping rope and punk rock. “I grew up listening to the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, the Clash, and have always felt a connection to the passion, energy, spirit and rebelliousness of punk,” he says. “I started jumping rope back when I was wrestling. While my wrestling career was short-lived, I continued to jump rope because of the many fitness benefits it bestowed and because it just seemed cool to me. 'Punk Rope' was also my attempt to put fun back into fitness and to get away from the controlled, serious workouts that are so commonplace today.”

Haft launched the first Punk Rope class at New York University in 2004. A few months later he introduced Punk Rope at the 14th Street Y in Manhattan. “Within weeks, I had parents taking the class with their children,” he says. “The kids loved the music, as well as the relay races, and the adults liked being able to take a class they could bring their kids to. Since then I’ve had more kids take the class, even though it’s listed on the adult fitness schedule.”

A typical Punk Rope class for kids involves a wide range of activities. Variety, says Haft, is key. “We try to keep the movements fairly simple so that the frustration level is low. For example, we do some rope swinging and jumping, some simple relay races, animal movements like bear walks and kangaroo hops, and drills like partner high-fives. The beauty of punk rock is that some of the songs are very short, many being a minute or less.”

While the jump rope may have been a regular sight on playgrounds past, many kids these days spend more time indoors watching television than outside experimenting with fitness toys. For this reason, Haft says he makes sure the participants pace themselves. “The kids get very excited, although sometimes they also get very tired,” he says. “For many children, this is the most intense workout they’ve ever done. I think the children enjoy acquiring a new skill, so they’re fascinated by the rope. They are especially proud of themselves when they can do a new trick.”

Inspiration comes easy to Haft who sincerely enjoys watching children have fun in response to his program. But he also gets a special kick from watching the reverse motivation that comes when parents decide to pick up the rope as well. “The kids not only enjoy the class, but they get to spend time having fun with their moms. I think a mixed atmosphere is extremely powerful for everyone. It’s a true win-win.”

Haft recognizes that children aren’t just small adults, but he also thinks they don’t want to be patronized. “I joke with them like I joke with my other students, and they respond favorably,” he says. “I also act silly and let them be silly back.

Traditional exercise can be intimidating for children. You have to create a safe, fun environment to make sure they come back. What’s helped me the most is learning to put myself in the shoes of the child. Kids might be scared or tired or whatever. You need to keep encouraging them and be a really positive role model—make exercise cool so they’re not embarrassed to do it.”

Source: IDEA (International Dance Exercise Association) Fit Tips, September 6, 2006