How to Make Fitness Fun for Kids
Modern family lifestyles all too often mean kids grow up with hobbies and interests based around screens, getting around in cars, and playing outside much less often than their parents and grandparents did. The inevitable result is an increasing number of unfit, often overweight, children who are destined to deal with poorer health and a shorter lifespan than has ever been predicted.
Although the benefits of regular physical activity, such as developing strong bones, building self-confidence, maintaining a healthy weight and creating a natural sense of well-being, are promoted across the media, in education and by health care services, there are still many kids who are extremely inactive. The good news is that this situation can change, so long as the adults in charge are keen to make it happen.
Kids Need a Role Model
A child learns primarily from their parents, so if exercise and physical activity is limited as they grow up they are unlikely to see it as important. Kick off some changes by introducing your children to the fun element of movement by taking family walks, having dance offs in the living room or races at the beach. Generally be a good role model and they will naturally copy you.
Incorporate Exercise Into Family Time
Why play monopoly when Twister is available? Making physical movement a part of another activity is a great way to make it fun. Go swimming, or even to a water park, or buy bikes for family rides around the park. By incorporating exercise into another activity there is no reason for kids to be fussy, instead you all get to have some fun.
Make Small Changes
Walk the kids to the local shop or school sometimes if it is possible, rather than automatically getting in the car. In a shop, try taking the stairs one floor instead of the lift. (Even if you start by only coming down the stairs). Get into the habit of standing up and fetching something you want instead of asking others to get it for you, and encourage the same thing with the children.
Learn Something New Together
This is the absolutely best way to get your kids interested in physical activity as starting out on the same level creates both a bond between you and a sense of friendly competition too. Have a think about what you all might like to learn. It could be a martial art like kung fu, or some form of dancing. Or maybe it’s time to go back to your youth and give roller skating or Heelys another try? You can buy some nice quad roller skates and Heelys online from a shop like www.skates.co.uk
Making getting and staying fit fun for kids is much easier to do than you may think. By making small changes to your daily habits and family lifestyle, you can add in all sorts of things which may seem small and insignificant alone, but together they produce the end result you are working towards. Have fun!
