Exercise and physical activity should be a part of a healthy lifestyle. However, these are not natural aspects but learned ones to fit into a lifestyle. The best way to encourage your child to live an active life is by having an active family. While, signing kids up for sports and such will increase their physical activity and benefit them it may not encourage a lifelong love of physical activity. If a family engages in activities that are sedentary then the children will learn to live a sedentary life. Therefore a family who lives an active life will have children who also lead active lives. Living an active life is not as difficult as it may sound.
Family Active Activities:
Soccer: Soccer is a great game for all ages. While your 10 year old may have more energy than you on the field you can still have a fun time playing. All members of your family who can walk can kick a ball which makes soccer an activity for the whole family.
Golf: Golfing is a bit slow but with all the walking (no golf carts!) and time to spend as a family it certainly is a nice active tradition to start. As a family sport, it is one friendly to all ages, genders and levels of play.
Cycling: My kids love to go bike riding. As a kid, my family used to go bike riding all the time in the summers. Again, this is makes a great family activity since all can be involved. Cycling is easy on joints, age, and little ones can go for the ride in a bike seat.
Walking: Nature walks or a walk after dinner is a healthy tradition to start. Bring your dog, your stroller, and your best attitude and go explore the neighborhood together. You may even meet some of your neighbors.