Down syndrome child flexible

When a baby is born with Down syndrome, one of the more common characteristics is that the baby has low muscle tone.

The baby may appear to be ‘floppy’.  I have also seen it reported that people with Down syndrome tends to have less muscle strength than the general population.

Isaac has always been very, very  flexible.

His muscle tone is not as high as his two brothers.  But in terms of strength, Isaac is very strong.  As a matter of fact, he does not really know his strength.  During daily life, every now and again, Isaac surprises himself and the rest of us with his strength.

I have been told that compared with most children with Down syndrome, he has relatively high muscle tone.

The best was that I can think of to describe this is that he is a little softer… And if I am not diligent, he tends to get pudgy.

I learned when I was in college that the skin is a muscle.  It is actually the largest muscle in the human body.  I also learned that oxygen and strength training. and or isometric exercise will tighten the skin.

When Isaac was born, his heart and lungs were not functioning properly….he was actually ‘blue’ because he did not have enough oxygen.

There are many reasons why I advocate physical activity for my boys…Isaac included.

Let’s see

Improved cardiovascular health

Keep down weight gain

I cannot really think of a bodily function that cannot be improved by getting enough oxygen.

Because Isaac has Down syndrome, I do a mot more ‘intentional’ exercise.  In other words, I try to schedule it into our day.  For example, I have a pretty nice library of workout DVDs.  My boys like Billy Blanks, (Tae Bo).  So in the morning before school, especially in the winter, we all workout together.

I think that it’s a nice coincidence that I was inspired by Mr. Blanks even before I was a mother.  I read a book that he wrote.  He explained how as a child he had physical and social challenges.  He said that martial arts helped him to overcome many of those challenges.

I can’t say that I understand what is up with the low muscle tone.  Many people have it.  I have never been as toned as my husband.  What I DO KNOW is that I will continue to do everything that I can to intentionally build strength and lung capacity.