bluedarling Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 We will have a family YMCA membership this year to help with PE requirements. Two of my kids will be on swim team, so I will just count that as PE. One of the kids will probably take an adult aerobics class or similar (mixed messages about whether she's allowed to take adult classes, but she looks old enough I don't think anyone will question it.) That's fine for me to count. The problem is my oldest. He wants to just go use weight machines unsupervised (he's 17). I suspect this kid will just hang out at the machines and count the time without accomplishing anything...if I can even get him to go in the first place. I would like to set some specific requirements or something for what he must accomplish, but I'm really not sure how to do that (and how to verify that's it is really getting done.) I will likely stay with my 8yo (not him--that would be very awkward, plus I'd like to swim, too, while my daughter is in swim team if a lane is available.) I don't mind allowing some of his hours for reading about fitness or watching videos, but I do want the bulk of his time spent actually engaged in physical activity. This child is quite underweight, and aerobic exercise should be minimal....weight training is actually good for him. I just don't know how to make it work!! A homeschool PE class or organized class would be so much easier! Anyone else done this successfully? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 How about requiring a log? http://www.weight-lifting-complete.com/weight-lifting-log/ Also, all the weight rooms/gyms I've been associated with require a course (cross of how to safely use the machines and personal trainer) before allowing minors to use the weight room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmos Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 Does the gym offer training? When we have had a gym membership, they offer a free training session to learn how to use the weight machines properly. They also have a special program for teens. They meet with a trainer for six sessions, and they work in the machine room and the free weight room. Teens are only allowed to use the weights if they have gone through that program. Perhaps your YMCA has a similar program. I wouldn't think a 17-year-old would need supervision beyond the initial training. As for verifying what he's done, usually there's a record sheet where you can record what machines you did -- how many pounds and how many reps. You could simply require him to fill those out. If your gym doesn't have one, I'm sure you could make one up yourself. It's helpful for tracking progress as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluedarling Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 That link is great! They have them record the amount of time for each excercise! I may not know if the amount of time is reasonable for the number of reps, but it should be good enough to get a general idea if he's active! Brilliant! (OK...should have been obvious, but it wasn't.) I know my son did the Y's weight machine training 3-4 years ago when he was old enough to use the basic machines (I think you have to be 16 or 17 to use free weights, and he couldn't use them then). So I know there is some minimal instruction...it probably totalled 30 minutes....maybe there is more once they include free weights, I don't know. I was looking on the Y's website, and they now offer an online program that helps you track fitness and nutrition (ActivTrax). That's new since we last had a membership. That may be of help, too! After all, the point is to get him to take ownership of his own fitness lifestyle! Probably just need to ask the Y for suggestions! (Before I start worrying over something that isn't even an issue!) Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefgazer Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 Mark Lauren "You Are Your Own Gym". Perhaps you could do it together with him and he could log his results/improvement. http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Your-Own-Gym/dp/B00AM7EQYC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406834195&sr=8-2&keywords=you+are+your+own+gym http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Your-Own-Gym/dp/0345528581/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406834195&sr=8-1&keywords=you+are+your+own+gym Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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