How can I best help my 9 yr old son become stronger and better coordinated? He is not into sports.

Question

He is no couch potato either. He gets out and plays all day. I am concerened about him being physically unable to do things others his age can. Like hanging from the monkey bars or heving the balance to try skateboarding. It is hard for him to keep up and his endurance is low. He is not overweight. He is lean and healthy. I am thinking swimming or gymnastics may be good for him. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Martial arts would probably serve him best.  It will teach him not only co ordination but self discipline as well and since he is 9 years old he will be entering puberty not to long and martial arts is helpful.  

Answer 2

Swimming would make him stronger - what about Karate? What about having him help out with household chores that require strength - my 9 year old son takes out the trash, and brings up the full clothes baskets from the basement. Maybe buy him a jump rope for the coordination, or play things like kick ball. What about buying him roller skates or moon shoes, he can use those on the sidewalk or in the driveway.  

Answer 3

Some kids just are not able to do those kinds things either because they can't or don't want to. I would try track. I put my 7 year old in track. This really helped him concentrate on his breathing, running, and he was still able to work as a team.

Good luck!

Answer 4

cello or bass..

and have him carry the instrument.

its amazing for coordination..  (also, if he breaks a wrist and its his dominant writing hand, he'll be able to write with the other.... )

but basses start at 1,000 dollars...

cellos start at 500.

it'll help with coordination, and those are the 2 biggest (and therefore heaviest) of the stringed instrument family.

but yes, music is a rather expensive hobby. but so rewarding..

Answer 5

get him interested in basket ball

Answer 6

The Wii, and Dance Dance Revolution help so much!

Instruments like the flute, drums, piano, and the guitar!

Answer 7

How about Martial Arts?  I have my daughters in Karate.  My kids play softball, but were not really into any other sports and not much for running around outside.  My girls are both really shy and I was worried about them being able to defend themselves if they were bullied.  Karate teaches them self defense and coordination, but also boosts self esteem and self discipline.  What I like most is that they are not competing agains anyone but themselves.  No one can ever take what they learn away from them and they never have to be faced with "not making the team" because they aren't coordinated or good enough.