Posts Tagged ‘Active’

No Kidding, Let’s Get Active

December 25th, 2009

Childhood obesity has become a major health problem in America. About 16% of children ages 11-17 are overweight, which can have a lifelong effect on health and self-image. The focus on childhood obesity tends to point to school activities and school lunches, but a recent study at Ohio State University found that the time when kids can gain the most weight is over the summer break.

One of the best ways to keep kids healthy is to keep them active, but it isn’t always easy to come up with new ways to get them moving – here are some starters:

Plan family activities like bike rides or hikes which physically engages everyone. Seeing you exercise and put a priority on physical health will teach them the importance of it.

Give them chores. Not everything is fun and games. Having regular, assigned chores like washing the dishes, mowing the lawn, or washing the car not only teaches kids responsibility, it’s also an aerobic activity.

Sign them up for a class or team. Have your kids learn basketball, baseball, or soccer. Teach them to dance or swim. The habits we learn as children stay with us, and exciting, fun, or social activities are a great way to keep kids active, and enjoying it. A lot of communities offer free or low cost classes; so find if there are any available in your area.

Make a family fitness chart, and track everyone’s fitness goals – kids should be getting an hour of physical activity a day. If the family reaches it for a week, set up a prize that you can enjoy as a family.

Take your kids to the playground, and play with them. Kids aren’t the only ones who need exercise, but they do come up with some fun ways to do it. Join their game of tag or play a pick up game of basketball. Race them. Letting go and playing with them is a great way to ensure that your kids are active, and safe.

Tips for Raising Physically Active Kids

December 18th, 2009

The truth is that your child needs physical activity from an early age. This will not only help your child stay fit early in life, but it will also get him or her accustomed to exercise. Thus, your child will be more likely to keep on staying active throughout life. Follow our tips for raising physically active kids: 1. Plan family vacations and visits that promote activities like swimming, skiing, hiking, and more. There is nothing like healthy family fun. 2. Set an example to your kids yourself. Let them see your good physical activity habits. Kids learn by example, so make sure that you lead an exemplary lifestyle. 3. Give kids household chores that require physical exertion, like raking leaves and mowing lawns. This way, you will be teaching responsibility and providing them with a means to exercise. 4. Allow your kids to walk or cycle when it is safe to do so. While driving may be convenient, try walking with your child to nearby destinations. 5. When you are at a facility that has the option of stairs or an elevator, choose the stairs. Try to walk as much as you can. Your child will take note of your habits. 6. Consider the sports and activities your child enjoys, and then find out about clubs and lessons in your area. Sports like tennis are easier to learn when someone is young. 7. Make sure your child knows how to swim. This ensures water safety and provides a great form of exercise. 8. Limit videos, computer games, television, and movies. Physical activity is a much healthier and beneficial form of leisure. 9. While choosing gifts for your child, choose ones that involve fitness like jump ropes, tennis rackets, hula-hoops, and more. Another gift option would be a membership to a sports facility for kids. 10. Limit your use of strollers and play pens when it comes to infants. They may make life easier for you, but they also act as restraints for your child. Allow your young child to move around as much as possible. 11. If your child complains of boredom, suggest an activity that promotes movement, like playing catch or hide-and-seek. 12. Make sure you know all about the recreation activities of your area. Ask your friends and other parents about soccer leagues, camps, and more. 13. If your child is in daycare, make sure that he or she gets at least 20 minutes of exercise per day. 14. If you have a school-age child, make sure that you known about the physical education classes. Ask about the frequency and duration of classes, different activities, class size, physical fitness assessments, and the qualifications of the teacher. Make sure that the school also teaches skills that students can use through life. 15. If your child is interested in a certain sport, make sure that you support him or her to try out for a team. Do not be pushy. Support is all a child needs.