Improving The Physical Fitness Level Of Your Kids
Research shows that children today are at a greater disadvantage than ever before when it comes to obesity and other childhood illnesses. A large factor in this is the limited exposure they have to physical fitness. With an increase in video games and television time, and a decrease in funding for physical fitness programs at school, children are lacking exercise and facing problems because of this. If you want to make sure your children do not suffer the consequences of a lack of exercise, here are some simple things you can do to help them out.
Make exercise fun. Every child enjoys having a little fun, and if you make exercise fun you will have a greater chance of seeing your children participate. Dance in the living room with your kids, use video game systems that incorporate fitness, such as the Wii, take your kids outside to play a game of tag or hide go seek or just make it a family ritual to get out and ride bikes together every weekend. By doing this, you will help to ensure that your kids stay active and teach them to really love physical fitness.
Another great way to keep your kids fit is by getting them involved in household chores. While nobody enjoys completing chores, there is a great satisfaction in knowing you have helped the family and accomplished something too. Help your children to understand this by involving them in making their beds, helping with dusting, carrying laundry up the stairs or sweeping the floors. These small acts will make your daily chore list a little easier, and they will also serve the purpose of keeping your kids active.
In addition to chores inside the house, it can be very beneficial to get your children involved in something fun, educational and beneficial to the family outside the home. Have your children help you to start a vegetable garden in your own backyard. It does not have to be a big garden, but just something of a manageable size that they can participate in caring for. The act of squatting, pulling weeds and digging in the dirt that is required to manage a garden all involve physical fitness. Your child will get to spend some time outside, enjoying the fresh air and also enjoy a little activity at the same time.
Finally, consider enrolling your child in an exercise class outside of school. Whether it is dance or karate, swimming or tennis, your child will love participating in a sport or activity, meeting other children and experiencing being a member of a team or squad. This is a great way to build muscle, burn calories and also build self esteem. If you are concerned about the cost of some of these activities, check your local YMCA or rec center. Many offer scholarships to help kids participate in fun events and classes, such as these.
Getting your children involved in physical activities is essential for their long term health. It is also a lot of fun, and it can be beneficial for the entire family too. Make it a point to encourage physical activities on a daily basis in order to improve the lives of your kids.
