Fitness: Starting Young - Fitness for kids

Fitness for kids: Getting your children away from a computer  

Kids exercising

Children often have a natural tendency to play hard. It’s never too early to start directing your child’s energy into a lifelong love of physical activity.  For many children, biking around or playing kickball in the backyard have given way to watching television, playing video games and spending hours online. But it’s never too late to get your kids away from that computer or off the couch.  As a kid, I was fortunate enough to grow up in the era of no cell phones, no computers or videos games, or even great TV programs.  I grew up in Russia.  What did I have at my disposal?  Sports & arts.  And for that I’m so grateful!  My parents signed me up for every possible sport and I fell in love with being physically active.  I did it all: gymnastics, ice skating, track & field, skiing, hockey, soccer…what are the advantages of being physically active as a kid?  It kept me busy, in great mental form, I never had any issues with weight, I was always in great spirit…it kept me balanced.  And all that translated into a healthy adulthood.  I truly believe that.  I definitely have my parents to thank.  They knew what was best.  However, in this day and age, things are a lot different and parents might need more help than ever.

Be a great example

If you want active kids, be active yourself. Go for a brisk walk, ride your bike or spend some time gardening. Kids ages 6 to 17 years old need at least an hour a day of such moderate activities. Three or more days a week should be more vigorous activities such as those that include running or jumping rope. Adults need at least 2.5 hours a week of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activities.

Invite your family to play catch or to join you on a walk. Talk about physical activity as an opportunity to take care of your body, rather than a punishment or a chore. Praise, reward and encourage activity. Set goals and have everyone track their activities and progress.

A parent’s active lifestyle is a powerful stimulus for a child. You are a role model for your children; set a good example by making physical activity a priority in your life.

Limit screen time

A surefire way to increase your children’s activity levels is to limit the number of hours they’re allowed to watch television, play video games or text on the cell phone each day. You might limit screen time — including television, video games and computer time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one to two hours a day. To make it easier, don’t put a television in your children’s bedrooms, and keep the computer in a family area. Also consider limiting other sedentary activities, such as text messaging or chatting on the phone.

If your children play video games, opt for those that require movement. Activity-oriented video games — such as dance video games and video games that use a player’s physical movements to control what happens on the screen — boost a child’s calorie-burning power.  

Establish a routine

Set aside time each day for physical activity. Get up early with your children to walk the dog or take a walk together after dinner. Start small, gradually adding new activities to the routine as you — and your children — become more fit.

Let your kids set the pace

For many kids, organized sports are a great way to stay fit. But team sports or dance classes aren’t the only options. If your child is artistically inclined, take a nature hike to collect leaves and rocks that your child can use to make a collage. If your child likes to climb, head for the nearest neighborhood jungle gym. If your child likes to read, walk or bike to the neighborhood library for a book. Or simply turn on your child’s favorite music and dance in the living room.  Every child is wired differently. We all have certain strengths and characteristics that influence our interests. The key is finding things that your children like to do.  Just like my parents did.

Promote physical activity, not exercise

To keep your kids interested in fitness, make it fun.

• Get in the game. Play catch, get the whole family involved in a game of tag or have a jump-rope contest. 
• Try an activity party. For your child’s next birthday, schedule a bowling party, take the kids to a climbing wall or set up relay races in the backyard.
• Put your kids in charge. Let each child take a turn choosing the activity of the day or week. Batting cages, bowling and neighborhood play areas all count. What matters is that you’re doing something active.
• Give the gift of activity. Make gifts and rewards things like activity-related equipment, games or outings.

Incorporating physical activity into your children’s lives does much more than promote a healthy weight.  It sets the foundation for a lifetime of fitness and good health, and remember it’s never too young to start.

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