Benefits of exercise on kids with Down Syndrome
My daughter Leah isn’t the most active person. She would prefer to sit and use the computer more than any other activity. Barring that she likes to read or watch TV. However, there were two activities that she really loves. One of them is cheerleading (covered in a previous post) and the other is Hapkido.
Hapkido is a Korean martial art that focuses on defensive moves and using leverage to protect yourself. She really loves this activity. She attends class 2 days every week for just over 1 hour each class. At first I didn’t know how she would take to it but since her sister does it I thought we would try it. I was surprised at how much she pays attention. Not only is she doing the movements, she is growing in strength and coordination. She looks forward to going each time class is held. She is advancing as well. She has risen to the level of yellow belt with 2 blue tips. She is working on achieving her blue belt next. She even gets to break boards.
The impact on her self confidence is amazing. She is learning more about her body and her capabilities and she is interacting with many people from different age groups. This is a typical martial arts class – not a special needs program. They have made modifications on some of her skills to accommodate her low muscle tone, but mostly they have allowed her to let them know when she is at her limit. And she rarely reaches her limit.
So, if you are looking for an activity for your child with DS, check into a martial art or similar activity. Something where they can move around a lot and not get overly stressed. You will be amazed at how much they may love it.
Leah in Hapkido
