What do your non-sporty DC do for exercise after, say, age 11?

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DS1 is clumsy and doesn't enjoy sport as he feels he's not very good. Just as well really, as it seems to me that before they're very old, there's no place for them in teams/ clubs unless they are good.

Anyway up to now, he's had loads of exercise because being outdoors is like letting a dog of it's lead and he'll just run and run in the course of his playing. I do know though that that won't last forever and he'll grow out of running around games, so what do you do to make sure your older children stay active?

Have you thought about karate?

Can you find active things to do as a family which don't feel like exercise or sport? I hated all sport as a child, but as a family we often went out for walks at the weekend if the weather was nice - cheap to do and doesn't need to be a massive hike, just a couple of hours out in the fresh air and interesting surroundings.

At that sort of age, we had a large dog which needed to walk for miles and miles each day. That kept me fairly fit. (Have recently found out that lots of walking is one of the best cardiovascular exercises for me, since my clumsiness is largely down to hypermobile joints)

ouryve, that's exactly DS1's problem!!

We do walk and cycle as a family from time to time, but tends to be in the holidays when the weather is nice and therefore, not that often. I'm also aware that as he enters his teens, I may be faced with some objections!

He did try Karate, but wasn't very keen

TBH there's not masses you can do. Just keep gently encouraging and if he's a fair weather exerciser then at least that's something.

If it's any consolation, I spent most of my teens behind a computer or behind a book and thought exercise was cruel school torture that was the main reason to look forward to leaving never be forced to be active again! I'm now a very active person and exercise 6+ hours a week, so there is hope

What about orienteering? Uses the brain and just needs running rather than hand-to-ball coordination. Dancing? Swimming? Or are they too sporty.

Judo might appeal, or rugby - they always say all kinds of shapes and physical attributes can find a place, and ime it's a very welcoming sport - much more willing to accommodate the kids who aren't necessarily the 'best.'
Or hockey - our local club seems well-organised but fun.

Rugby has been fab for my non sporty son. They are very inclusive. Training sessions especially good.

Also horse riding. Non team sport and my DS seriously sweaty after hours lesson so must be doing some good!!!

Second horse-riding - if the budget will stand it. Otherwise a cycling habit will set him up for life, and doesn't require great dexterity.

I was never sporty as a child either and read LOTS. My dad used to just take us to the park on weekends and he would tell me to run and I did as I was told.

Also my dad refused to be a "taxi service" so if we wanted to go anywhere, we had to walk.

Or try something else rather random that not many of his school mates will be doing so that he doesn't compare himself to them. Do you have a climbing centre nearby? Or a circus skills course? Or mountain biking?

trampoline?
Geocaching?

walking is better than nothing. If he has to walk to and fro his school/activities that is something.

Dd is 11 and she does yoga alongside me now. I never told her too but she just joins in. Yoga is nice even for dc who are ungainly (which may be due to growth and body parts being in different places all the time, not everyone seems to adjust well to growth spurts). You build up a position carefully and then you hang in there at your level. Anyone can do it and it is not competitive - or should not be.

ha.. I've got the perfect thing forward... Fencing!
ds2 is dyspraxic (clumsy, poor motor skills) and was recommended fencing by his OT. He started 2 years ago and absolutely loves it. It's great for co-ordination, it takes lots of stamina and everbody involved seems really nice.
Have a look at the british fencing website there are lots of clubs listed there by area.
Ours is in a local village hall and only costs £3 a session, they also have lots of kit to borrow for when you are just starting out. I imagine there's a huge range of set ups, so phone round a couple to see what might suit you.

Riding. The incentive to keep it up is that there are always loads of girls doing it too

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