13 yrs old son needs to increase his physical activity

Remy - posted on 10/29/2010

what about wrestling, basketball, soccer, swimming or bikeriding.? Maybe just get him to start walking or jogging...you guys can do it together.

Belinda - posted on 10/29/2010

My son was not into sports at all...this year I suggested he go check out a prefootball they were offering...he said he would go...but not join...he got there...seen a couple kids from class and ended up loving every minute of it...he now wants to do the basketball program coming up! I am so happy...I am hoping this will help him make friends and do better in school.
My son is 10 and truly believes nobody likes him...so this was a huge improvement! I went to his class halloween party today...he seems to be doing better already! ;)
sometimes you have to know when to hold out and when to gently push ;) good luck!

Kathryn - posted on 10/27/2010

I would recommend martial arts. We take Tae Kwon Do as a family. It's both physically and mentally challenging (learning forms and Korean). It's an individual sport and it can develop into a lifetime endeavor. Most programs are progressive so you can start as a white belt in just about any physical condition and work your way into shape. Plus, you can learn weapons which most boys think are cool. Self defense is a great skill to have.

Ramona - posted on 08/21/2010

Not everyone likes team sports. Try joining a bike club, no races, just nice long rides. Scouts offers different opportunities to try individual sports. I like individual sports as they can usually be played over a life time. It is hard when you are 35 to call 24 people out to the field to play a game of soccer. But, you can find someone to hit a tennis ball with or play 18 holes of golf. I also love martial arts, fencing, swimming, rock climbing, etc... as great sports. My kids love all sorts of activities.

Lisa - posted on 08/20/2010

My youngest daughter sounds a lot like your son. She likes band and being a peer at school for the younger kids. I too have worried about her physical activities and have tried to coaxe her into doing sports at school. She refuses... but since she is an active kid in our neighborhood, that gives me some comfort. She loves to swim, bike, jump rope. She's just not that into sports.
So maybe your son will eventually come up with something that he'd like to take an interest in. But try not to worry to much, he seems to be more into the intellectual lifestyle. My daughter is a bit and did mention to me that she'd like to maybe take gymnastics outside of school. So be patient and maybe look up some city/town activities on the internet that he might find interesting.

Lisa - posted on 08/19/2010

I have this issue with my older son who doesn't like sports and is more sedentary than my younger son. We try to go on walks and bike ride and occasionally go skating. I don't know if he will still skate at 13 but some kids like going to a rink. Not sure if that is a possibility for you.

Sharon - posted on 08/18/2010

We put my son in Tae Kwon Do. He loves it! He lives for it now and we can't keep him out of the Do Jang. It has improved so many aspects of our lives, not just his. His focus has improved. His manners, his social interaction, his balance, weight etc. I'm thinking of taking it up myself. It's just a thought!

Dawn - posted on 08/17/2010

Have you asked him if he likes baseball my sons have been on a baseball team for 6 years now and they have long time friends have baseball parties every year camping together. Or you could do physical activities with him try doing walks together or hikes riding bikes this to gives you more time with your teen son who is going to grow up fast enough.

Angela - posted on 08/14/2010

Judo maybe?? Swimming or Cardio at the gym. Speak top you local liesure centre, they should be able to help.
I'm in the same position but my son will NOT do any activity (he's autistic and stays in his room).
Good luck and keep me posted
Angee xx

Cathy - posted on 08/13/2010

Where I live through community ed there's lacrosse, baseball, tag football. Course like someone else posted family stuff, bike rides, hikes, walks.

Amanda - posted on 08/13/2010

I have 12 y/o n he likes his skateboard and it gets him active, or get him a bike.Sounds like he works hard in school and may want time to relax also :) Keep trying to get him active it could just be a stage. Also we set examples in our children go for a walk n ask him to go with! Hope it helps.. goodluck

Julie - posted on 08/13/2010

Have you tried fencing?
I fenced competivly from the time I was 7-26
my daughter now fences
it really appeals to those kids that are more on the academic side because it has a quirky thinking quality to it

Kathy - posted on 08/12/2010

My son just turned 12 and is active in tackle football and I have seen the change in his energy level and weight during this time but then I have to find something during the other times of the year. Bike riding is great for their leg muscles and cardio...I have been told about something called Upward Bound, it is basketball with a "religous base" to it. I haven't gotten my kids involved yet but since the winter time does not leave many options for the kids to choose from. I hear that it is good also because if the child is not very "sporty" they still get to play the game and they are never made to feel like they are not as good as the other kids.

Ardeliah - posted on 08/12/2010

He could be uncomfortable about being physically active in a group. Have you considered weight lifting? I got my son a home gym and he loves it. They aren't free weights so he doesn't require a spotter. I know yours is only 13 but check with the doctor. Mine said 14 is the generally accepted age to start weight training but depending on the child he could start sooner.

Janice - posted on 08/10/2010

Scouts are a great group that does a lots of physical activities, but has a great social aspect too. You just have to try your best. My 12 year old loves it.

Beth - posted on 08/09/2010

Thanks for the ideas I was thinking about Karata

Terri-Anne - posted on 08/09/2010

My 11 year old is so not a sport kid (he runs like an 80 year old man actually LOL) but he does like swimming and has just started karate and has taken to it like a duck to water! Karate is not about fighting, it is about self discipline, self confidence and it is a sport where really you are up against yourself, so suits those, non-team players a bit better. My son is short for his age and also very smart and outspoken, so does tend to get hassled at times, so this has been wonderful for him. Maybe your son could give it a try? Just make sure that the dojo is one that teaches the true spirit, respect, self control etc

Lisa - posted on 08/08/2010

My oldest will be 13 next week and has always been the child with the least physical activity. We finally gave in to his interest in jui jitsu.....his interests come and go very quickly. ;-) He has been involved for about 2 years now and still really enjoys it. I don't ever see him being involved in a "team" sport or even really competing with the jui jitsu. He just enjoys going twice a week and getting some of that energy out with the friends he has made.

Lisa - posted on 08/08/2010

My 13 year old will go outside and ride his bike or skateboard. He's also dug a huge hole in the area that is supposed to be our vegie garden LOL His current "organised sport" is karate.

I like Rebecca's idea of just going for hikes/walks too :)

Rebecca - posted on 08/07/2010

Perhaps you can try doing physical activities with your son such as going on hikes, bike riding etc. I have two grown sons and we have always enjoyed doing outdoor things together along with their Dad. It doesn't have to be an organized sport, especially if he doesn't express an interest in any.