The Badminton Movement

      It is not rocket science. It is competitive, fun, inclusive, fair, social and physically demanding. The movement I am referring to is Badminton. Badminton is a sport which I have seen played by players of all ages, up to the late 70's and as young as 8 years old. When we look at the LTAD model for "Long Term Athletic Development" the first state of development outlined in the 7 stages within the LTAD model is the movement of badminton. Below are the 7 stages of the LTAD model:

• Stage 1: Active Start (0-6 years)
• Stage 2: FUNdamentals (girls 6-8, boys 6-9)
• Stage 3: Learn to Train (girls 8-11, boys 9-12)
• Stage 4: Train to Train (girls 11-15, boys 12-16)
• Stage 5: Train to Compete (girls 15-21, boys 16-23)
• Stage 6: Train to Win (girls 18+, boys 19+)
• Stage 7: Active for Life (any age participant

      Badminton is reflective of the "Active for life" phase. This phase is defined by Canadian Sport For Life as: "Staying Active for Life through lifelong participation in competitive or recreational sport or physical activity." Staying active for life has NEVER been a bad thing. Being active for life can positively effect your health, keep your waistline in check, enhance your quality of life through being able to function properly due to over all health, etc. Being active for life can also keep you balanced which is a key word in turning your wellness wheel, steering your bike in the right direction as you age. 
    According to the Public Health Agency of Canada the benefits of physical activity (i.e recreational Badminton) are:

• better health
• improved fitness
• better posture and balance
• higher self-esteem
• weight control (mentioned above)
• stronger muscles and bones
• feeling more energetic (Energy Management)
• relaxation and reduced stress
• continued independent living in later life (So important to emphasize)

     The truth is, we cannot be bystanders if we wish to enhance our quality of life by being active for life. A coach mentioned to me just the other day that in North America we tend to be awesome bystanders and sport spectators. This can be entertaining I agree. However, if we are to set an example for our children to live by as they grow and we all grow together within a nation, we need to keep in mind the LTAD model, enrol ourselves, our friends and our children into safe life long movements such as badminton. It is not rocket science. Move!

Ryan Fahey
B.A Human Kinetics
CPTN Canada
Canfitpro FIS, PTS
NCCP