Kids and Exercise

It’s not impossible

By N. Caliendo

In a world with cable television, video games, computers, and fast food, it is crucial that children engage in some type of physical activity. Not only will it increase a child’s stamina, strength, and agility, but it will also help prevent childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes, an epidemic that is at an all time record high in the United States.

Kiddie Workout

A child doesn’t need a regimented workout. Any outdoor activity lasting 30 minutes or more could be a workout. The trick is to find out what the child enjoys doing, then have him or her do it. Better yet, get out there and do it with them. A child learns by example, so what better way to bond with your child than by spending some quality time doing an activity you both enjoy and will benefit from.
There are so many things that your child can do to get their daily exercise. Sports,riding bikes, scooters or skating are obvious activities, but sometimes as parents or guardians, we have to think outside the box. Other times, we just have to get involved.

Other Ideas

A visit to the park will give you and your child a multitude of things to do. Bring a soccer ball and have a game of one on one. You’d be amazed at how many other children this will draw in. Not only does this give your child an opportunity to make new friends, but it will also enable you to make teams, have friendly competition, and open the door to a lesson about the value of team playing and good sportsmanship.

Basketball is another game you and your child can play. No only is there one on one, but you can also play HORSE. How to play HORSE: Your child takes a shot. If he or she gets the shot in, you must do the same, in the exact spot he/she was standing. If you get it in, you take the next shot from where ever you want, if you miss you get an H and it’s then the child’s turn. You continue to do this until one of you have completely spelled the word HORSE. That person is not the winner.
Playing hide and go seek in the play area is not only fun, but can also be physically demanding. All that running, jumping, climbing, ducking, hiding and seeking will use all the muscles in the body. Take advantage of ladders, bridges and slides to maximize your “workout”. Older children love to play man hunt. That’s hide and seek in the dark - give it a try if you don’t mind getting creeped out.

Are you up for a challenge? A lot of parks have a fitness course with a sign telling how to do each station. Learn each station and then take turns timing each other. Again a little friendly competition could be fun. Just don’t take it too seriously.

When You Can’t Get Outside

Don’t let rainy days stop you from having a day of fitness. Turn on the music and dance the rain away. Have a boot camp filled with push ups, sit ups and jumping jacks. Challenge your child to do more than you. Children always love to out do adults. This can be exhausting, but a great way to build stamina and strength.

Remember, all this playing will work up an appetite, so be sure to have plenty of healthy snacks available. Sweet juices are dehydrating, so instead, drink plenty of water, before and after your day of fun.

Workouts can be whatever you and your child want them to be. The important thing is that your child gets out there and has fun while doing it. Teaching and encouraging your child to be active will create good habits that will last a life time.