> I have Larry enrolled in a dance class and he is
> doing well in it as
> regards timing, foot placement, and in all ways
> except strength. The
> teacher said he needs stronger legs. I am walking
> with him for an hour a
> day  along a creek on mostly level terrain. I am
> looking into buying a
> treadmill for him. Any ideas?

There is an old legend about a ancient Greek wrestler
named Milo. According to the stories, he was able to
build incredible strength by lifting and carrying
around a calf every day. As the calf grew a little
each day, so did Milo's strength grow a little bit
each day. Eventually, it is claimed, he was able to
lift and carry a full size bull!

Now, I'm not suggesting that you get a calf for Larry
to lug around :) What I would suggest is that you
continue whatever it is the two of you like to do
(your walks, for instance), but make it a *little*
harder for him each day. Have him walk up an incline.
Have him (let him) carry something along with him (a
large toy or ball, or perhaps even a backpack). Each
day, let him carry something a little heavier or a
little more cumbersome, and increase the amount of
"hill climbing". Just make sure the leg muscles are
progressively stressed, and he should strengthen his
legs over time.

Another thought, and this is a little more along the
lines of muscular endurance, is to let him jump on a
trampoline. I mention this because my 8 year old gets
"the old man" to jump with him occasionally, and when
I do I notice a completely different kind of muscular
stress than any other exercise I do. Just a thought.


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