Concerning body composition and flexibility it is no unfamiliar fact that each body is different, and the bodies of adults and children more distinctly so. Although, it is essential to be aware of the general biological changes that occur in children’s bodies specifically in their bones, muscles, and tissues during puberty and the several effects these can have on the performance of the child in sports and daily activities.
The average age of the onset of puberty is different for boys and girls. So it’s suggested to separate girls and boys from participating in contact type sports together because of their differing body composition and growth levels. Girls usually have more content of body fat which increases during puberty. Boys have a drastic change when it comes to body composition because muscles mass develops due to new levels of testosterone. Children who are overweight during this stage tend to remain that way as an adult also.
The various changes in body composition are directly proportional to the child’s performance in sports. In sports like gymnastics, wrestling, karate and diving weight, mass and center of gravity of the body are significant elements. During puberty, multiple changes occur which can affect your child’s active participation in such fields. Thus having an idea about the biological changes (physical and chemical) of puberty can help you to guide your child through those stages.
Children are usually more flexible and active than adults but that doesn’t last forever. With the onset of puberty, they tend to lose the extreme flexibility than they had before entering puberty. Every child grows at their own pace; some have a slower growth whereas some have a quick growth spurt. The bones grow more quickly in comparison to muscles and bodily tendons that try hard to stretch to keep up. As a result, mostly boys lose weight and gain muscle mass but lose flexibility. Girls tend to become stiff during the growth stage which quickens after puberty if their body cannot stretch to match the pace of their growth. Although, with the increase in estrogen girls can regain their flexibility once their rapid growth spurt slows down.
A healthy and highly flexible body can be extremely beneficial for a child in athletic fields. They have a higher chance of championing in physical activities and various sports. Having a good understanding of changes in body composition and flexibility can assist you to look out for your children and guide them as they work out and participate in sports while going through the stages of puberty.
