Keeping Your Kids Fit
By Esther Spencer
It’s hard nowadays to get kids excited about playing outside with video games and computers keeping them indoors. But encouraging them to engage in physical exercise can teach children healthy habits from a young age.
Active children tend to have more energy, restful sleep, and less anxiety than children who are inactive. Physical activity can ensure that your children will not fall victim to obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control, childhood obesity has skyrocketed from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008 among 6 to 11-year-olds. Obese children are more likely to experience cardiovascular disease and also psychological issues.
But there are more than just physical benefits to exercise. Encouraging your kids to play outside builds a foundation of good physical and also mental health. Being physically active can help bolster their self-esteem by boosting their self-image. Scientists agree that free play is important for the development of your child’s emotional, physical, and social skills. Many children learn how to interact with others playing outdoors. Not only are your kids getting exercise but they may even make lasting friendships on the playground.
How Much Is Enough?
Okay, you’re convinced about the importance of keeping your kids active. Now you’re wondering how much exercise they need? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. You don’t need to keep a stopwatch to make sure they exercise continuously for exactly an hour. The 60 minutes can be broken up throughout the day although it is important to note that during these times of physical activity your child should be active. A 60 minute P.E. class where the kids only exercise for 30 minutes during that period of time doesn’t really count as a full hour.
Tips to Get Your Kids off the Couch
You’ve begged; you’ve pleaded; you’ve threatened. How in the world do you get your kids actively playing outdoors instead of passively sitting inside? Just keep in mind that they’re kids not adults. They won’t be gung ho about going to the gym for aerobics or spin class. Most kids will be more interested going outside if the whole family is out there playing with them. So get the whole family outdoors playing tag or even just walking around the neighborhood. Encourage your kids to go outside and engage in free play. Help your kids to find a sport they will enjoy. Whether it’s dance class, baseball, or martial arts, there are a variety of different activities that can appeal to your kids. If your child is interested in a sport, you’ve already won the battle. And if they just have to play a video game, encourage them to play more physically active games on the Wii, Kinect, or Playstation Move. Having your kids play an active game can be a fun way to sneak in a little exercise.
Teaching your kids the many health benefits of exercise will help them to understand its importance. Being active now can build a foundation to ensure your children stay active, healthy adults who make health a priority.
Author Bio:
Growing up working in her family’s health store, Esther Spencer has been around health and fitness supplements all of her life. She now shares her knowledge and experience as the lead blogger for NutraPlanet, a website that offers health and vitamin products and bodybuilding supplements.
Kids today are too sedentary. Technology has caused a generation of children to be less active.
This is so true – between TV, computers and video games our kids are bombarded with ‘fun and entertainment’ that keeps them ‘on the couch’.
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