Where do I start with my child?
If you searched "personal trainer for kids", "kids swimming coach", "kids karate coach" or "sport trainer for kids" in Riyadh, you probably want one of three things: more movement, a skill like swimming or karate, or less screen time. This guide helps you choose.
Coaches are no substitute for medical care. Where a child has asthma, a heart or joint problem, another health condition, or an injury still healing, see the doctor beforehand and pass the advice to the coach. Pain, dizziness or shortness of breath mid-session means stopping the activity and contacting the doctor.
What the guidelines say
- NHS: children aged 5 to 18 should average at least 60 minutes a day of moderate or vigorous activity, and do two kinds of weekly activity: aerobic, and exercises that strengthen muscles and bones. Examples include gymnastics, football, jumping and martial arts.
- Same source: weights and resistance machines should only be used with training and supervision from a qualified adult.
- WHO: physical activity supports bone health and muscle development, and any amount is better than none.
Daily play and movement come first. A coach adds to this; a weekly session does not replace play.
Which type fits?
| Type | Good if... |
|---|---|
| Personal trainer | Your child wants fitness and movement, or feels shy in a gym. One-to-one. |
| Swimming | You want a lifelong skill. Ask about pool safety and how many children each coach teaches. |
| Karate | Your child wants structure and activity; the NHS lists martial arts among bone-strengthening activities. |
| General sport | Your child wants to try ball games, running and games before choosing. |
Before you commit
- Licence: get the coach's licence number and the date it expires.
- Man or woman: if you prefer a woman coach for your daughter, say so up front.
- Where: home, gym, pool or online?
- Experience with children: how many, and what ages?
- Your presence: can you attend? We suggest a parent is present or nearby; that is your call.
- First aid: do they hold a certificate? We did not find how long it stays valid, so ask for the date.
How a lesson runs
The warm-up is a game, followed by two or three brief, mixed activities, a drink break and a cool-down. Play and challenges suit children better than repetitive drills. Nothing heavy is lifted, and nobody comments on shape or weight.
Safety notes
- A parent present or nearby.
- A woman coach for girls if you prefer.
- No heavy weights or resistance without a qualified adult supervising (NHS).
- Swimming: check there is a lifeguard and a safe pool.
- Do not push a tired or frightened child.
- Be wary of anyone who says your child "needs to lose weight" without a doctor's view.
Quick answers
From what age?
We did not set an age: the guidelines we read cover ages 5 and up. For younger children, ask the coach about experience and talk to your doctor.
What will it cost?
Rates are not fixed and we saw no Saudi price list. Ask the coach for the lowest price.
Does Laqeeni take a commission?
No. It costs you nothing to use and none of your money goes through us. You deal with the coach on WhatsApp.
Your next step
Find out what your child likes, settle on a single goal, then write to two or three coaches on WhatsApp. Request the licence number, the lowest price and a brief trial lesson.
Sources
- NHS, Physical activity guidelines for children and young people: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-chi…
- WHO, Physical activity fact sheet: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
- WHO 2020 guidelines (Bull et al., BJSM, via PMC): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7719906/
- Saudipedia, Professional Licences and Programme Accreditation: https://saudipedia.com/ar/مشروع-الرخص-المهنية-والاعتماد-البرامجي
- Sabq, sports professional licences: https://sabq.org/article/kgxZWgu
- Okaz, sports professional licences: https://www.okaz.com.sa/sport/na/2168751
- Sabq, Saudi Red Crescent first aid courses: https://sabq.org/article/fE-mmog
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