Intergenerational Training – One Way to Teach Kids to Love Fitness
by Collin Fehr, EDD, LPC, CMPC, CSCS
NSCA Coach
February 2026
Vol 13, Issue 1
This NSCA Coach article explores how intergenerational training can boost youth fitness participation and foster a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.
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This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »
REFERENCES
- Davison, KK, Cutting, TM, and Birch, LL. Parents’ activity-related parenting practices predict girls’ physical activity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 35(9): 1589-1595, 2003.
- Deci, EL, and Ryan, RM. Self-determination theory. Handbook of Theories of Social Psychology1(20): 416-436, 2012.
- Doggui, R, Gallant, F, and Belanger, M. Parental control and support for physical activity predict adolescents’ moderate to vigorous physical activity over five years. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 18(1): 43-53, 2021.
- Elgaddal, N, Kramarow, EA, and Reuben, C. Physical activity among adults aged 18 and over: United States, 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. Retrieved July 2025 from https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/120213.
- Ginsburg, KR, and Committee on Communications, and Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds.Pediatrics119(1): 182-191, 2007.
- Howard, R. Why strength and conditioning coaches should take play seriously. NSCA Coach 4(1): 42-43, 2018.
- Kallio, P, Pahkala, K, Heinonen, OJ, Tammelin, TH, Pälve, K, Hirvensalo, M, et al. Physical inactivity from youth to adulthood and adult cardiometabolic risk profile. Preventive Medicine 145: 106433, 2021.
- Kastovska, B, Sindler, D, Skypala, J, and Elavsky, S. A three-generation perspective on physical activity and sedentary behavior of school-aged children: A scoping review. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships 23(2): 226-245, 2025.
- Maia, C, Braz, D, Fernandes, HM, Sarmento, H, and Machado-Rodrigues, AM. The impact of parental behaviors on children’s lifestyle, dietary habits, screen time, sleep patterns, mental health, and BMI: A scoping review. Children 12(203): 1-29, 2025.
- Morrongiello, BA, Corbett, M, and Bellissimo, A. “Do as I say, not as I do”: family influences on children’s safety and risk behaviors. Health Psychology 27(4): 498-503, 2008.
- Page, EJ, Massey, AS, Prado-Romero, PN, and Albadawai, S. The use of self-monitoring and technology to increase physical activity: A review of the literature. Perspectives on Behavior Science 43(3): 501-514, 2020.
- Streight, E, Beauchamp, MR, Smith, KJ, Blanchard, CM, Carson, V, Strachan, SM, et al. “We are an active family”: A randomized trial protocol to evaluate a family-system social identity intervention to promote child physical activity. BMC Public Health 24(2605): 1-17, 2024.
- Trost, SG, Sallis, JF, Pate, RR, Freedson, PS, Taylor, WC, and Dowda, M. Evaluating a model of parental influence on youth physical activity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 25(4): 277-282, 2003.
- Van Vleet, M, and Feeney, BC. Young at heart: A perspective for advancing research on play in adulthood. Perspectives on Psychological Science10(5): 639-645, 2015.
- Weiss, MR. Motivating kids in physical activity. President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research Digest 3(11): 2-10, 2000.
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Collin Fehr, EdD, CSCS
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Collin Fehr competed at the collegiate level in three sports: basketball, tennis, and cross country/track. After graduating, Fehr coached tennis and c ...
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Audience:
Coaches
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Topics:
Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Organization and Administration Safety Professional Development
Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Organization and Administration Safety Professional Development
Keywords:
Athletic Readiness Motor Skills LTAD Fitness Participation Family Fitness Programs Kids Exercise Motivation Youth Fitness Training
Athletic Readiness Motor Skills LTAD Fitness Participation Family Fitness Programs Kids Exercise Motivation Youth Fitness Training
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