Kids Fitness Tips For Parents
Today there are more and more children who are overweight or obese. Kids these days are more likely to spend their free time watching television or playing video games than they are to be outside playing and getting exercise. Here are some helpful tips for parents to help them get their kids get fit by getting off the couch and up and moving.
One of the keys to helping your kids get into shape is to make exercise fun. Help them think up games to play with their siblings and friends, or encourage them to take up a sport they enjoy. Another creative way to get your gaming addicts moving is to find exercise video games for them to play. Combine the fun of video games with physical activity for a winning combination.
Try to make sure your children exercise for thirty minutes at least every day. However, it can be broken up into several chunks of time. For example, in the morning you and kids could walk the dog, after school in the afternoon they could join up with friends for a fun game or sporting activity outdoors, and then in the evening after dinner perhaps the entire family could go for a fun bike ride. Your children would most likely love all the activities and they would be getting plenty of exercise all at the same time.
If you have a family dog, make sure your children are involved in walking him and also playing ball and other fun activities. Make it the responsibility of the children to make sure their dog gets the exercise he needs.
Children can also get exercise by doing yard work and other chores. Make cleaning the house a fun activity which involves plenty of movement. You can even turn on some music to make it even more entertaining and fun.
Another key is you will need to lead by example. If your children see you sitting in front of the television or computer most of the time, they will want to do the same thing. However, if they see you active and getting exercise on a daily basis, they are more likely to be interested in joining you.
Exercising as a family, including the pets, is a great way for everyone to get in shape. It can also bring your family closer together. Whether it is a family bike ride, playing in the park, hiking on a local trail, or joining a sports team, there are lots of physical activities that the entire family can enjoy together that will also keep everyone moving.
I hope these tips for getting your kids fit will get you pointed in the right direction. The main keys to keep in mind are to lead by example, make exercise fun and get the whole family involved. If you happen to run out of creative ways to keep the kids moving, just ask them for suggestions. Children are very creative and full of ideas.
