Not only can it be fun, it should be fun, especially for children. These days when most kids would rather be sitting in front of the TV, the computer or spending time playing handheld video games it is harder to get them motivated to exercise.
When parents hear the word exercise, most think of working out in the gym on a treadmill or lifting weights. But for kids, exercise should be any activity where they are physically active. That means playing soccer, basketball, and football, attending dance class, riding bikes or simply participating in a game of tag.
Fitness is not rocket science. If you’ve ever watched kids on a playground, you’ve seen the three elements of fitness in action-—endurance, flexibility and strength. For example, running is a perfect way to build endurance, while crossing the monkey bars shows strength, and kids bending down to grab balls or tie their shoes illustrates flexibility.
Parents should encourage their kids to participate in a number of fitness related activities. Better yet, join in on the fun and burn some calories yourself. Engaging in aerobic activity makes your heart beat faster and when done regularly physical activity improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells.
When was the last time you challenged your kid to a game of horse on the basketball court? There are a number of physical activities you and your child can participate in together. Consider going for a bike ride together or ice-skating, roller blading, jogging, swimming or simply take a walk together around your neighborhood after dinner. If your child thrives on competition you could play tennis together, kick around a soccer ball or shoot some hoops.
If your child is old enough you could consider lifting weights together. Most kids don’t need a formal weight-training program to gain upper body strength. Simple sets of push-ups, stomach crunches, pull-ups, and other exercises go a long way to help tone and strengthen muscles.
Related Articles:
Increase Exercise Decrease High Blood Pressure
Yes, Kids Need Exercise, We Get It!