Working in education for the past five years has presented me with a startling realization: we’re failing our youth. We are raising a generation that, in general, has no vision for their children, no idea ... Continue Reading
Protect Your Kids From the Danger of Taking No Risks
It’s summer and the kids are driving you crazy. They are so needy, and messy, and why won’t they just play quietly? When the kids come home for summer it can be a nightmare for your productivity. Of course ... Continue Reading
It’s Time to Reform America’s Bad Habit Factories
Habits, more than anything else, dictate our behaviors and daily actions. But society has come to view habits as external conditions that happen to us. William James, the father of psychology, once said, ... Continue Reading
3 Tips for Developing Fine Motor Control During Childhood
Enouraging fine motor control is a critical part of raising children. Not only is fine motor control essential to daily life, but when it comes to sports, fine motor control is paramount. Just a ... Continue Reading
Stop Playing Through Pain: How to Safeguard Youth Athletes
Some people might applaud the concept of playing a sport through pain and injury, considering it to be “hardcore.” As parents, coaches, trainers, and young athletes, where do we draw the line with ... Continue Reading
The Worst Thing You Can Say to a Child Athlete
Recently, my gym launched a kids grappling and MMA program. Starting with students as young as three years old, we begin with no contact, but use lots of activities that are designed to teach the ... Continue Reading
6 Cheap Ways to Turn Couch Potato Kids Into Ninja Warriors
Summer is here, and for many of us, that means kids are home from school. If you’re finding it challenging to get your workouts in with little ones running around, there’s a simple solution: make your home ... Continue Reading
Growing Up Private Pyle in a Rambo World
I was mentally screwed up as a child. It was the 1980s, the era of Hulk Hogan, John Rambo, and the Terminator. The good guys were not only lean, but covered in rippling musculature. On the other hand, I ... Continue Reading
10 Pieces on Kids’ Nutrition and Childhood Obesity
As a whole, the issue of childhood obesity isn't getting any better. Which is why when it comes to kids' nutrition, it is important that we seek knowledge from reliable sources in order to give our ... Continue Reading
6 Sports for Kids Who Aren’t “Sporty”
I will never cease to be amazed by the differences in my three childrens’ personalities. Their uniqueness has been evident even since they were babies. For example, as an infant my oldest daughter was ... Continue Reading
Fitness Testing for Kids: What Exactly Should We Be Testing For?
Have you ever thought about the way our kids are tested for fitness? Fitness testing usually happens in physical education class where students are on display in front of their classmates, who, of course, ... Continue Reading
Back to Basics: 4 Ways Youth Athletes Can Increase Performance
In today's society, young athletes are inundated with daily stressors that can adversely affect their sports performance. From over-scheduled days and decreased physical activity, to fast foods and ... Continue Reading
5 Reasons Every Kid Should Grow a Little Muscle
Originally I had intended to write this article about the benefits of strength training and muscle development during childhood. In fact, I actually wrote most of the article and then I realized it was ... Continue Reading
Introducing Your Kids to Athletic Activity – What to Look For
If you are a regular reader of Breaking Muscle, chances are you derive great and frequent benefit from physical activity - sports, weightlifting, martial arts, and the like. If you are a parent, perhaps ... Continue Reading
Kids and Kettlebells: Is It Safe?
In 2001 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) revised its policy regarding children and strength training. Although the new policy discourages competitive weightlifting and bodybuilding in children,it ... Continue Reading
