This week I had the opportunity to interview Rick Howard, one of the leading experts in the world for Long term athletic development (LTAD). Rick gives us his thoughts on correctly specializing children in sports, disparities between school and sports, correct ways to test kids for health and athleticism, mental health and athletes (Surprise! Kids all the way to Adulthood), Lifetime activities to stay in shape, and more!
(0:00) Introductions + Ricks background
(13:50) Correctly measuring youth fitness
(5:52) What age should kids specialize in sports?
(12:17) Disparities between school and sports
(14:23) Cons of traditional fitness testing for kids
(24:23) Training athleticism over fitness
(27:08) Importance of keeping training fun
(33:14) Mental health and athletes
(50:56) Staying active after college
(1:01:37) Lifetime sport activities
(1:10:56) How to keep kids active for a whole lifetime
Dr. Howard earned his Doctorate in Health Promotion and Wellness from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. He is an Assistant Professor in Applied Sports Science at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and teaches at Keilir Health Academy in Iceland. Rick is a distinguished Fellow of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (FNSCA). He contributes. and writes peer-reviewed articles, blogs, some you may have on Men’s Health, Simplifaster, and breaking muscle. Dr. Howard presents nationally and internationally on long-term athletic development (LTAD) and the application of concepts of exercise science for coaches, personal trainers, physical education teachers, and those who wish to improve the lives of our young people.
Learn more about Rick here: