But according to child development specialist Donna Groothedde, helping children move well \u2013 and enjoy moving \u2013 might be one of the most important investments we can make in their future.<\/p>\n
And no, this doesn\u2019t mean pushing kids into intense training sessions or turning them into mini-athletes.<\/p>\n
\u201cExercise for children should never feel like punishment,\u201d Donna says. \u201cThe goal is development \u2013 building a strong foundation through fun movement, rhythm, play, coordination and confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
In other words: Movement that feels like childhood.<\/p>\n
The body\u2019s building years<\/strong> \u201cA child isn\u2019t just growing physically,\u201d Donna explains. \u201cMovement is how the brain and body learn to communicate with each other.\u201d<\/p>\n Strength training for children, she emphasises, doesn\u2019t mean lifting heavy weights or training like adults. It\u2019s about learning how to control their own bodies through natural movement patterns \u2013 running, jumping, climbing, balancing and playing.<\/p>\n These activities strengthen bones, protect growing joints, improve posture and help prevent injuries as children become more active.<\/p>\n Just as importantly, they help kids feel comfortable and capable in their own bodies.<\/p>\n More than just physical fitness<\/strong> Studies show that physical activity supports brain development by increasing blood flow and strengthening neural pathways. The result? Better focus, improved learning, enhanced mood and stronger emotional regulation.<\/p>\n \u201cIn many ways, movement helps children learn how to learn,\u201d says Donna.<\/p>\n Interestingly, the connection between movement and development begins even before birth. Exercise during pregnancy supports healthy circulation, oxygen delivery and neurological development for the baby.<\/p>\n It\u2019s another reminder that movement truly is part of lifelong health.<\/p>\n Confidence starts with capability<\/strong> Children who once felt unsure of themselves begin to stand a little taller. They start speaking up more. They become willing to try new things.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen a child realises, \u2018I can do hard things,\u2019 it changes everything. That confidence carries into school, friendships, sport and life.\u201d<\/p>\n Learning new physical skills teaches perseverance, too. Children discover that challenges are part of growth \u2013 and that trying again often leads to success.<\/p>\n Learning through movement<\/strong> Designed for children aged four to twelve, the classes go far beyond basic fitness. Each 55-minute session blends foundational movement skills with strength, flexibility, agility and core stability exercises suited to growing bodies.<\/p>\n Activities also focus on fine and gross motor skills \u2013 helping improve things like grip strength, handwriting readiness and hand-eye coordination.<\/p>\n Rhythm and music are woven into the sessions to support brain development and timing, while imaginative play and themed movement games encourage creativity and social interaction.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s always a balance between structure and fun. Children are learning important skills, but to them it simply feels like play.\u201d<\/p>\n The programme also introduces age-appropriate lessons about nutrition, hydration, sleep and healthy lifestyle habits. Team activities help build cooperation and communication, especially for children who don\u2019t naturally gravitate toward team sports.<\/p>\n And each quarter includes a practical life-skill module \u2013 from basic first aid and CPR to animal safety and emergency awareness.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about raising confident, capable little humans,\u201d Donna says.<\/p>\n A safe space to grow<\/strong> \u201cThey feel like they\u2019re part of a family,\u201d Donna explains. \u201cThey learn resilience, commitment and discipline \u2013 but in a positive, uplifting way.\u201d<\/p>\n Children often open up about challenges they face at school or socially, too \u2013 from friendship struggles to moments where they\u2019ve felt left out or not good enough.<\/p>\n Having a safe space to talk about those things while building confidence through movement can make a meaningful difference.<\/p>\n Screens versus sunshine<\/strong> \u201cI try to keep screen time to around an hour a day,\u201d she says. \u201cWe won\u2019t always get it perfect, but movement must remain part of childhood.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the most effective ways to encourage kids to be active is simply for parents to lead by example.<\/p>\n \u201cChildren copy what they see far more than what they\u2019re told,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n Movement can be simple<\/strong> Even turning everyday moments into playful challenges can spark a love for movement.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the end of the day, children don\u2019t need structured workouts,\u201d Donna says. \u201cThey need joyful movement and positive memories.\u201d<\/p>\n Raising active, resilient kids<\/strong> \u201cWhen children feel capable in their bodies, they become more confident, resilient and willing to try new things.\u201d<\/p>\n And sometimes, building that confidence begins with something wonderfully simple \u2013 running through the garden, climbing a tree, or dancing around the living room.<\/p>\n Because when kids move, they grow.<\/p>\n Details: donnasfitness.co.za<\/a> or follow @donnas_fitness<\/a> on Insta and @DonnasHealthAndFitness<\/a> on Facebook.<\/em><\/p>\n Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Image: SUPPLIED.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Let\u2019s be honest \u2013 today\u2019s kids are growing up in a very different world from the one many of us remember. Between school schedules, homework, devices, and long hours spent sitting, movement sometimes takes a back seat. But according to child development specialist Donna Groothedde, helping children move well \u2013 and enjoy moving \u2013 might […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":121,"featured_media":22885,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,51,19,40,20],"tags":[9277,9280,54,9499,9498],"class_list":{"0":"post-22883","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kids","8":"category-lifestyle","9":"category-lifestyle-travel","10":"category-people","11":"category-personalities","12":"tag-donna-groothedde","13":"tag-donnas-health-fitness","14":"tag-get-it-joburg-west","15":"tag-kidcore","16":"tag-let-kids-move"},"yoast_head":"\n
\nChildhood is when the body\u2019s foundation is built. While kids are growing taller, their nervous system, posture, joint stability, balance and coordination are developing at the same time. And movement plays a key role in all of it.<\/p>\n
\nMovement doesn\u2019t only shape the body \u2014 it shapes the brain too.<\/p>\n
\nOne of the most powerful transformations Donna sees in children who begin moving regularly isn\u2019t physical \u2013 it\u2019s emotional.<\/p>\n
\nDonna\u2019s holistic child development programme, KidCore, offered at Donna\u2019s Health & Fitness, is one example of how movement can support the whole child.<\/p>\n
\nBeyond physical development, movement environments often become spaces where children feel supported and seen. Many children arrive shy or unsure, but gradually grow more comfortable expressing themselves.<\/p>\n
\nOf course, encouraging kids to move can feel like a challenge in today\u2019s screen-filled world.
\nDonna believes balance is key.<\/p>\n
\nThe good news? Kids don\u2019t need complicated exercise routines to stay active.
\nSome of the best movement happens through simple family activities like:
\n\u2022 walking the dogs together
\n\u2022 riding bikes as a family
\n\u2022 skipping or rollerblading
\n\u2022 hiking or exploring nature
\n\u2022 playing classic games like tag, Dodgeball or \u201cstuck in the mud\u201d
\n\u2022 dancing in the lounge
\n\u2022 playing outside after dinner<\/p>\n
\nUltimately, helping children develop strength, coordination and movement skills isn\u2019t about creating elite athletes. It\u2019s about preparing them for life.<\/p>\n