How to choose the right sport?
When choosing a sport it is important to remember that many sports load only a certain part of the body, which can lead to uneven muscle development. If a child does a one-sided activity, it is good to compensate for that load with suitable exercises (spiral stabilization exercise is one such compensation) or with a complementary sport. In swimming, for example, the muscles around the neck and lower back are often overloaded, so it is important to pay special attention to these areas outside training as well. Every sport has its specifics and brings certain challenges that are worth keeping in mind.
Which sports carry the greatest risk?
Sports that may lead to damage of the musculoskeletal system include in particular:
- Gymnastics, acrobatics, ballet - these sports often cause joint hypermobility and excessive muscle load, which can lead to chronic pain or other health complications.
- Sports with one-sided equipment handling - for example floorball, hockey or tennis, where the player holds the stick or racket in one hand only. This one-sided movement can lead to incorrect development of the spine, overload of one side of the body and to muscle imbalances.
Which sports are suitable?
Among the most suitable sports are climbing, running, ball games and other activities that support all-round movement and even development of the whole body. During growth it is important to avoid excessively rotational and one-sided sports, which can negatively affect the correct development of the musculoskeletal system.
Among the less traditional and well-known options is, for example, a circus club, which offers a genuinely varied range of movement skills. There the child develops motor skills, coordination, stability and overall control of the body. It also supports the work of the brain, improves concentration and contributes to the child's mental well-being. A circus club can be an excellent alternative to classic sports. The very best approach, however, is to alternate activities.
Why is it important to alternate sports?
Ideally the child tries a different sport each year. If they do only one kind of movement over a long period, they risk overloading the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to the need for regular physiotherapy. This problem often occurs in elite athletes who specialise in one sport from childhood.
If you are choosing a sport for your child, there is no need to stress about it: the most important thing is that the child enjoys movement, can explore different activities and ideally try something new each year. If, however, they stick to one sport long term, do not forget compensatory exercise, which helps keep the body in balance and prevents possible health problems. The most suitable form of compensation is spiral stabilization exercise, which effectively strengthens and releases overloaded muscles. You can easily find the exercises in the Spiralista app, with practical instructions and demonstrations of suitable exercises.
