https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:59:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help/page/2#post-2082888 Sat, 07 Dec 2019 15:55:36 +0000 kkards 2082888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what about&nbsp;indoor climbing, it's&nbsp;physical and builds&nbsp;strength as well as flexiblity. i know were i live there are a number of &nbsp;climbing gyms that offer classes and climbing time for kids, and in the beginning you can rent equipment.&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.indoorclimbing.com/">https://www.indoorclimbing.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2082807 Sat, 07 Dec 2019 09:34:46 +0000 Locked 2082807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only answer I see here is the proper motivation for your kid. The post above about Pokemon Go is a good example, by the way. When there's a gaming and challenging aspect the rest is easy. If he doesn't want to start running maybe try getting him a bicycle instead. According to <a rel="nofollow" href="https://willpowerpeak.com/">Willpowerpeak</a>, Cycling is still cool, especially if it's mountain biking. You should check it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2079333 Sat, 23 Nov 2019 06:15:40 +0000 Anonymous 2079333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Being your son can’t drive yet my first thought was bike riding at a park with trails and you could go with him or make it a family affair. Unless he attests then don’t push it.<br /> Another fun way I see a lot of teens go out is they play Pokemon Go it they like that, you need to walk or bike to play and if your area has a lot of players he can meet new people or friends that also play.<br /> As we all know teen years can be the hardest and most stressful time of our life where everything is changing and it’s tough sometimes. Your son is probably overwhelmed or might be having trouble with classmates and sports has become too much to handle at this time, or depression or if he is an introvert this shows he is having trouble being social, just be alert to any signs something is wrong in case he wants to talk to a therapist or doctor about anything personal. since you said he used to like it and suddenly isn’t motivated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2079151 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 13:58:32 +0000 Helena 2079151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, thank you so much!! Really appreciate all this great info!</p> <p>Bijou, I feel like boys are divided into two camps ... Those that are Uber sporty and competitive, and those that "aren't sporty" ... As if one must want the intensity of competition or else it's proof of inability. *Sigh* There is a great opportunity for some entrepreneurial athletics person to serve boys like ours! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2078352 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 22:46:06 +0000 Kari 2078352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your son sounds like me except I’m two decades later, and NEVER have been good at sports (still am not.) I hate the competitive aspect. </p> <p>What makes it fun for me:<br /> • Great music to listen to. (Or podcasts or audiobooks, but usually I listen to those when walking and music while running.)<br /> • Pick 3-4 specific days a week that are running days and specific days that are rest days.<br /> • Have an event to train and look for to. This could be an in person 5k, 10k, half marathon, or a virtual race. (I’ll add a plug for my Potterhead Running if he’s into Harry Potter and wants to check out virtual races - they also have a Whovian running group as well as various “fandom” pop culture events.) Virtual running is nice because it’s on you - you can choose when and how to earn your medals, and for me it’s motivation to choose a specific day/route to do them.<br /> • Use a training plan. (I have used Couch to 5k, Jeff Galloway, and Garmin plans.)<br /> • Having a wearable device, either a mobile or watch, to track my mileage, challenge me to do more, provide a platform for training, and perhaps connect with other runners.<br /> • Changing up where I run, sometimes even having my husband drop me off somewhere that I’ve plotted out a route to go home, or running one way and bussing home. Round trips from home can get boring if I do them too often.<br /> • Have an overall mileage base/distance target for the week. (This isn’t necessarily the same each week.)<br /> • Lean in to the rhythm of resting and tapering. Not every run should be a fast run or a long run or a PR. Bodies and muscles need rest and fuel, and I know I perform better with rest days.<br /> • Try fun cross-training activities. Look at Running World articles or Jeff Galloway or Hal Higdon for training programs/cross-training advice. Do some 5-20 minute exercises to strengthen core or hamstrings or focus on upper body. Make it a fun game/challenge to play, not homework that you MUST do.<br /> • Nike Run Club has a great mobile app with guided runs as well as Nike Training/cross-training workouts. They can be really helpful.<br /> • Zombies Run! A story-based running app that gives you a story to listen to and run along with. It’s interactive and well done. Optional: you can turn on chase mode to be chased by and outrun the ‘zoms. (I do NOT recommend using Chase Mode in the dark if you’re new to it, OH MY GOSH - I jumped into the trees and started tearing a path through the woods!)</p> <p>Your mileage may vary based on appropriateness and interest given his age, but I hope this helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2078174 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 14:55:24 +0000 Bijou 2078174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm reading this with interest, because my son is almost 11 and I can see with most sports that he did for fun and to be healthy when younger have become so very serious and competitive with rigorous training schedules, so much so that he now only does martial arts which luckily he still finds fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2078144 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 12:28:14 +0000 Helena 2078144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much you guys ... Janet, you are right, space seems to be what he needs. BTW, neither DH or I like athletics!! We could care less about his being in a sport per se, it more about health and confidence. If he went for a walk everyday, that would be fine with me! And WOW on the marathons!<br /> Deb, we tried music *sigh* ... He couldn't stand it lol!<br /> Smittie, sounds like our boys could be friends! You're right, I might just need to enforce the "do something" rule but leave the rest to him.<br /> Thanks ladies!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2077270 Thu, 14 Nov 2019 03:52:58 +0000 deb 2077270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for music. Both, my son and daughter, are sports challenged so I started them on the piano at 6 and 7, respectively. My daughter is musically challenged also. lol. My son continues on with music and can play the piano, saxophone, guitar, and at 36, just took up the violin. Or, how about debate? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2077257 Thu, 14 Nov 2019 02:13:00 +0000 smittie 2077257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My son is 12 and is fairly athletic but doesn’t seem to like organized sports, or organized anything. On the other hand, he’s pretty good at making his own fun. I don’t have him in ANYTHING right now, which seems crazy. Later this year, I think I’ll put him in Jiu Jitsu. </p> <p>If were you, I’d tell your son he has to do something active, and let him decide what it is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2077253 Thu, 14 Nov 2019 01:26:34 +0000 Janet 2077253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another observation from my years with stepsons: that’s a typical age for teens to ditch activities they previously enjoyed. My husband was pretty bummed when the boys stopped wanting to play baseball, but then the older one started getting involved in music and theater (he’s now a sound engineer and super talented musician, graduated from Berklee); the younger one pursued art and music. Both boys stayed active and fit playing basketball with their friends, etc, but they just didn’t want to commit to team or school sports. Suggesting activities is great, but I would give them a little room to figure out what they like to do. </p> <p>You may also want to totally ignore me, as I was about the least athletic person you can imagine growing up. It shocked everyone that I managed to run three half marathons in my 40s. But a lot of what people have suggested in this thread sounds good to me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2077039 Wed, 13 Nov 2019 01:59:35 +0000 Helena 2077039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everyone, sorry I haven't been responding but I have been reading and really appreciate all your thoughts! FI, you nailed it - it's that tough age where pushing is definitely the WRONG thing to do (actually, that's always been the wrong thing with this kid - he's gentle but sturdy as a rock when pushed). We definitely have no attachment to him playing sports per se - we're not those parents at all, and I wasn't into sports as a kid and discovered fitness in university - I just want him to have a physical practice of some sport so he stays healthy and happy!</p> <p>Some wonderful suggestions here and I'll be sure to try many of them - the outdoorsy stuff I have to admit I need to put more effort into, as I hate being outdoors in winter ha! He's done a few 5ks; he just doesn't keep it up, so maybe I could try to find more of those for him.</p> <p>I really appreciate also the reminder that they will find their way - Carla, you are so right, these babies surprise me all the time and I wonder why I was worrying! Hopefully he'll find something that makes him happy.</p> <p>He's an excellent swimmer; I need to find a good pool for him in the cold months (we're having a pool put in, small but good enough, so that will help a lot in the summer months). He'll be able to do his lifeguarding certification starting next summer so that might be the path too.</p> <p>Thank you all, so appreciate it! xoxo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2077033 Wed, 13 Nov 2019 01:14:34 +0000 Bennett 2077033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about skiing, kayaking, snowshoeing.... things that are fun, active, outdoors, and the whole family can have the adventure? Let him invite a trusted, noncompetitive friend to try out all the activities that AREN'T competitive, repetitive, and boring. Trail cycling, hiking, indoor wall climbing..... just family bowling is a start! Everybody tries and everybody laughs.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is OK and normal to have an aversion to organized team sports and gym workouts, especially for an introvert. Just find what things keep him engaged and active in mind and body, and know he may be your kid who doesn't follow the herd! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076950 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 19:56:50 +0000 Sal 2076950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have had lots of good advice. There are lots of options now and there is no need to do organised sport if you are active.</p> <p>I think sport can become so elitist and competitive that it puts some people off. I don’t know how the school sports work in Canada but I know in some schools they can be super intense.</p> <p>I do think rock climbing, trail running or walking or cycling or reffing are all great ideas as maybe is the gym. Martial arts are really fantastic for some people too.</p> <p>The school my sons are at has elite and social sports options in many sports. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076932 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 19:18:43 +0000 Anonymous 2076932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My DD did swimming/diving and gymnastics for many years and then when she turned 13 lost all interest and did not want to do anything. Then she had an archery segment in her high school gym class. We found an archery school and she fell in love. We even set up a practice area in the basement for her.</p> <p>I think your son has to get exposed to a variety of things before he figures out what he likes.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also want to add that I see a lot of kids at my club who are rehabbing injuries they sustained in school sports, including concussions. That is a very young age to be getting injuries because they are pushed too hard. Exercise and sports should be fun and not a chore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076912 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 18:40:59 +0000 Sara L. 2076912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I have a 13-year old boy who sounds very similar to yours.&nbsp; He's athletic, loves to read, and plays trombone in his middle school band.&nbsp; He's not super introverted, although he's definitely more introverted than extroverted.&nbsp; Right now he plays soccer but I don't know how long that will last.&nbsp; I've been trying to convince him to do track this spring.&nbsp; However, he's nervous about try-outs.&nbsp; Does your son have a friend that he can work out with?&nbsp; My son joined the tennis team because his friend talked him into it and then he loved it.&nbsp; When his soccer coach told the boys they needed to stay in shape over the winter, him and his friend from down the street went for a short run a couple times a week.&nbsp; He would never have done either of those things on my suggestion.&nbsp;</p> <p>My other suggestion is to sign up for a 5k race.&nbsp; I've done that with my boys (I have 3 - age 13, 11, and 6) and they are motivated when they have a deadline.&nbsp; They enjoy being able to look at the stats afterwards - how fast they were, what rank within their age group, how they compared against other age groups, etc.&nbsp; Then that gives them motivation to improve for the next race.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076855 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:08:37 +0000 JAileen 2076855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My son, now grown, did not care about sports. &nbsp;He was into all manner of music. &nbsp;Some of the music required physical activity. &nbsp;Marching band, obviously, but he also played the bagpipes, and they march around a lot, too. &nbsp;People love pipe bands to be in parades, for some reason. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076842 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 14:29:19 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2076842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Toronto, I just reread your original post. Thinking about what a sweetheart he is, I wonder if your son would enjoy being an assistant coach or a ref for younger kids. I have a niece who started reffing soccer games at around that age, and some boys at our YMCA volunteered with younger kids’ basketball. </p> <p>But I’ve gotta say, living where you do, Carla's idea about shoveling snow is brilliant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076841 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 14:27:49 +0000 Kyle 2076841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My son is more arty than sporty, and I was OK with that. My rule was that he had to choose one extracurricular activity and stick with it. For him, that became music, which led to marching band, which led to lots of physical activity, and he loved the experience and camaraderie. Lots of good advice here. Good luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076774 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 03:27:00 +0000 Carla 2076774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DH and I were ‘sporty’ when we met, and continued our activities after marriage. The only sport I insisted the kids (2 sons) do was swimming lessons - because it could save their life, and possibly become a decent job for a youngster. Besides lessons, DH and I took them to the local pool for the family swim every weekend. Both became lifeguards and swim instructors at 16.</p> <p>We did sports as a family, but it was more about leading an active lifestyle. Some soccer (DH and I coached) and cross country skiing when they were little, downhill skiing/snowboarding when they were older.</p> <p>My kids didn’t do sports through school other than cross country running and track and field, and only in elementary and jr. high - not at the high school level. (They did do band at school and with a community youth band, but that is another story!) One is introverted, super tall and thin, and the other husky, extroverted, and has a vision impairment. They saw DH and me do our thing, and they came to my races as spectators, and sometimes did the kids short races. DS#1 couldn’t wait to get into triathlon (you had to be 15 back then - no kids events) we went ‘halfsies’ on a racing bike when he was 16 and he joined a local cycling club and LOVED it. Once he got started we travelled to races together, and now triathlon is his hobby sport. DS#2 found his sport around 15-16, when some friends got into martial arts. His father and I weren’t keen about his choice, but grappling sports (Jiujitsu, judo, and wrestling) became a passion and he even volunteered at the Commonwealth Games at the judo venue a few years back. He weight trains several days a week to build strength for his sport, and has also taken courses on power lifting. He also got into rowing in university!</p> <p>I will admit that the boys followed more in my footsteps - but that was because I dragged them around to all my activities, and was prepared to accommodate their pace at the expense of my workout, so that they would have fun. DH didn’t do that so much, so they didn’t get the same exposure to his sports. </p> <p>I agree with FI - that the surest way to turn your kid off a sport, is to force the issue and 13 is a tricky time. If you want him to have more physical activity in his life, assign him the chore of snow removal this winter, and don’t drive him everywhere - get him to walk or bike. He will likely find his passion over the next 2-3 years, and it might surprise you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076721 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 01:12:54 +0000 cjh 2076721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mom of two grown daughters here, but I am a runner. One of my “girls” is also a runner; the other mostly does spinning. Both have young children. Even though I didn’t start running until they were grown out of the house, I feel I have been an example to them of staying active.</p> <p>So for what it’s worth, take a look at the idea of holiday run streaking. That&nbsp;is, commit to running a mile (at least) every day from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. The goals are to stay more active through colder weather, and through the holiday eating season. If you could get the whole family to participate, how fabulous! One mile together still gives you flexibility to do your longer runs when you need to.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>Training for a spring 5K race is also a great idea. In my area, the first spring race is for the zoo, and the second is St. Patrick’s Day. Both are festive and fun because we’re kicking off a new running season. “Free” T-shirts are nice perks and a young runner usually likes showing off that he’s made such an achievement. Good luck!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076698 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 22:49:32 +0000 Echo 2076698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My kids are not athletically inclined AT ALL. However, DS2 enjoys being outside, and he often walks/hikes, bikes or otherwise spends time outdoors. Because he is getting enough activity, I just don't worry about it. I DO, and always have, enforced the idea that they must be active and engaged with something at school - art club, band, Spanish club, academic decathlon, etc. But it never had to be sports.</p> <p>DS1 genuinely does not like being physically active or being outdoors, so he was a bigger challenge. He did get interested in weight lifting and we did Just Dance videos together for fun and to stay active. But neither of them has ever been athletic, so we tried to keep activity light and fun and never tried to get them into an actual sport.</p> <p>They both enjoy badminton in the yard during the summer, too.</p> <p>DD has taken up C25K, and enjoys it. It's an app on her phone, so she can go at her own pace and use it independently.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076687 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 22:08:37 +0000 Molly Mac 2076687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As the Mom of three very active teenage boys, my challenge can be to convince them that they don't have to play EVERY sport available at their school. However, I am always trying to motivate them to stay off the technology at home so we do family hikes, prolonged dog walks, and trips to the tennis court to hit balls. It is nice to spend time with them and it means I move a little more as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076674 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 21:36:12 +0000 nemosmom 2076674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I am not in those teen years yet (God help me when I get there!), but my older son is very introverted, not competitive AT ALL, dislikes most team activities, is socially anxious, etc. </p> <p><div>I wonder - would you (or DH) be willing to run with your son? Maybe if you pitched the idea that YOU were interested in running or training for something and you needed HIS help to keep you motivated, it would get him moving.&nbsp; Maybe you could sign up for a fundraiser run of some kind and train together?</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076664 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 20:48:21 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2076664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>As the mother of a 17 year old who just came out of a 3-year depression, I hear you on trying to get them to mooooooooove. <br /></div><div>One thing I know is true for us is that if it's my idea being pushed on him, he won't do it. Sometimes I can latch onto a fleeting idea of his and work with him to build it into something bigger, but I've got to emphasize that it's his thing and I'm there to support him. <br /></div><div>If your son wants to run, I've heard Couch to 5k is a great program. I could also get you in touch with a friend who's done 2 half-marathons with her 17 year old. <br /></div><div>I agree with Rachy that there are lots of individual things a guy can do. I think mine was still doing yoga at that age. He loved it then. Even though he tries to scoff at it now, he still knows the postures and has a clue about his body from them. Weight lifting might appeal to a guy who's watching kids at school morph into more adult bodies. (We are just starting with it--don't own any weights yet, so I'm writing body weight routines for him.) Or he could do individual versions of sports that involve multiple people, like shooting hoops if you put up a basket or working on his tennis shot if there's a backboard around you. <br /></div><div>Sorry to be so unhelpful, but at that age especially, I think it really comes down to the kid. As for tips re teenage kids in general, my big one is humor. Getting the kid to laugh can break through all kinds of emotional barriers. <br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076657 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 20:36:59 +0000 Helena 2076657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great ideas you guys, thank you!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076652 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 20:15:38 +0000 Neelie 2076652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second indoor rock climbing...if you find a climbing gym with bouldering he won't even need a harness.&nbsp; My DS who has never been into sports loves it as it is both a technical and physical challenge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076621 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:46:15 +0000 Jules 2076621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you and he have any interest in gym workouts, and there is a Planet Fitness near you, their premium membership is around $25/month and allows you as the cardholder to bring a guest with every visit (teens have to be 16 to have their own membership and go on their own, but 13 year olds can go as your guest). I upgraded my membership to bring my daughter. Bonus that I now get access to the massage chairs etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076618 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:40:24 +0000 Helena 2076618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, great idea on the music, and I'll check out that app! Technology is good to engage this kid.</p> <p>Rachy, I would pay my last penny to get this kid into any physical activity he would do regularly ... it's more a matter of accommodating an extreme introvert personality - cycling is a good one too though. Horse-back riding sounds so fun; I've never tried it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076601 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:46:24 +0000 rachylou 2076601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are we wanting an expense-free kind of thing? Because I’m thinking structured activities are helpful for the unmotivated, foggy years of youth and that there are other things besides team sports. Like aikido or indoor rock climbing or cycling. I personally rode horses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/runners-andor-moms-of-boys-help#post-2076565 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 15:05:51 +0000 Anonymous 2076565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm new to running this year, and temporarily derailed, but music made all the difference for me. He needs to have a good playlist about 140-150 bpm that will keep him motivated, and update the playlist regularly.<br /> *note to self, find more running music*<br /> Another thing that helps me, is at the gym there are treadmills that look like you're competing with people from all over the world. You'll see them on the trail ahead of you and it's fun to pass them.<br /> There's also apps like Run Zombies. I haven't personally tried it, but could be fun! </p>