Kids are more inactive now than ever. At home they spend their leisure time on their computers, video games, watching TV, phone, and other sedentary interests. And schools, because of budget cuts, provide less time for recess or PE — and plenty of opportunity for fast food snacks. With kids sitting all day, getting less exercise, and developing poor eating habits, they are prime candidates for obesity and poor health.
Children’s fitness challenges need to be remedied by parents. So, if your child is reluctant to exercise, try these tips to get them going:
1. Start the day with a quick kids’ fitness routine.
Wake up the kids 5 minutes earlier each morning to do a stretching routine since they may be sitting most of the day at school. Let them pick the movements that they like best from either yoga postures or typical warm-up stretches.
2. Encourage kids to take part in school or after-school sports.
From their first day in school, children are exposed to various sports— volleyball, soccer, football, basketball, swimming—and eventually they will find their favorites. If they don’t want to join a team, make sure the school allows some time during the day for movement during recess or PE classes. Remind them of the importance of stretching before and after sports. After school, suggest they gather a few friends to shoot hoops, kick around a soccer ball, play street hockey, or toss around a football or baseball. They can also participate in activities like tennis or swimming at the local community or recreation center.
3. Explain the benefits of exercise to your child.
If they know regular exercise will help keep them from getting overweight and sick, they may be more inclined to get off their bottoms. Being active helps them build strong bones and muscles and provides energy to do lots of other activities. Staying healthy and maintaining a normal weight allows them to fit in and be accepted by their peers. Children who play sports or stay active enjoy better sleep, a more positive outlook, higher self-esteem, and are better able to handle stress.
4. Find excuses to walk instead of drive whenever possible.
If you rely less on your car to go everywhere, you will set an example for your kids to follow. Have them walk to their friend’s or neighbor’s house, to the store, around the mall, or wherever it’s safe to walk. Ask them to walk the dog or to offer to walk the neighbor’s dog. Also, park the car a few blocks from your destination or get off bus one stop early. Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator.
5. Make exercise fun.
If your child likes to bike, skate, or skateboard, encourage them to take part in these activities as often as time and weather allow. Make sure they have the necessary gear: helmets; knee, wrist, and elbow pads; and safe equipment. Or if they are babysitting or playing with younger brothers or sisters, play the games the younger kids like — hopscotch, tag, hide-and-seek, Hula-Hoops, jump rope, squirt guns, T-ball, kickball or flying a kite — and everyone benefits.
Website of Nubod Fitness founded by Carol Bassett, author of Walk Like the Wind, Stand Like a Tree, Run Like the Wind.
Our Mission is simple: We want to help kids enjoy a better life! And get children excited about a healthy, active lifestyle with good exercise and nutrition habits. You will find lots of free useful information and fun tips on ways to improve your child's lifestyle through yoga, aerobics and stretching.
