Today I got the opportunity to spend 30 minutes talking with a therapist and mobility WOD coach. He and I discussed some of the challenges that are uniquely facing high school coaches when it comes to mobility, flexibility, and stability in young athletes. I made the point that 10 to 15 years ago the idea that young athletes would need some of the same treatment and same exercises that middle-aged men need is amazing. 10 to 15 years ago high school and middle school kids filled their extra time playing sports, riding bikes, And living overall active lives. Today we live in a culture where videogames, World of Warcraft, and desk chairs consume teen culture. This has created quite a unique phenomenon where, at a very early age, athletes need some of the same treatment that their dads need.
Clearly this problem could be fixed by parenting that does not allow the long-term usage of computers, video games, and television but it appears that is not the direction our culture is heading. In our conversation I was reminded about three really big ideas about teen mobility.
1- Don’t assume just because they are young but their mobile. This is not the reality anymore. Don’t just throw work and movements at young, adolescent athletes with the assumption that they have no inhibitions or immobilities. 15 years ago that assumption might’ve been a little more safe. Today it is just not true.
2- Force Activity. Parents be attentive to the amount of hours your child is spending on the couch, in a chair, and living in a overall sedentary lifestyle. I’m not telling you to take away TV altogether I’m just saying it is in your best interest and in the best interest of your child’s health to limit that amount of time and force activity. Your children will thank you 15 years later as will their medical bills.
3- Recognize Reality and Act. Do not neglect the usage of mobility work, flexibility focus, and stabilization drills. Just because they’re in high school and just because your time maybe limited with them in training does not allow you the pleasure and irresponsibility to neglect the specific parts of their health. Not only will it prevent injury it will make your program overall more successful in the long run.