Obesity has become a growing concern among kids around the world today. Sadly, a packed schedule leaves kids with little time to enjoy a proper workout regime these days. That said and done, as parents, it is our duty to ensure that our kids get to exercise for at least a few minutes every day in order to grow up as healthy and fit individuals tomorrow. If you are wondering how to drag your kids off the couchand make them exercise, then here are some ideas that may be of some help to you.
Benefits of Exercising
Kids who exercise regularly tend to experience several benefits when compared to less active kids. These include having a leaner body, stronger muscles and stronger bones. Active kids are also less likely to be affected by conditions like obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, asthma, insomnia, heart disease and cancer, etc. as they grow up. Active kids also tend to have high self-confidence and self-esteem in addition to enjoying a better outlook on life.
Tips to help your kids to exercise
Here are some excellent tips that can come in handy when encouraging your kids to exercise.
- Think different for different kids
Not all kids will like sports like baseball or soccer. Likewise, not all kids will be drawn towards exercises like running, jogging or skipping, etc. Find out the physical activities that interest your kid and incorporate them into the exercise routine so that your child actually jumps out of the sofa instead of sulking in it when the time comes to get active.
- Make sure it is simple
Do not chart out an exercise routine that is so rigorous that it scares your kid into refraining from exercising forever. Remember, the simpler it is, the easier it will be for your kid to adapt to it. Simple activities like running, jogging, swimming or skipping can account for a positive start where your kid actually enjoys exercising without being stressed out in the process.
- Set limits on sedentary time
You will need to start imposing certain limitations on the amount of time your kid remains sedentary in the home. This could be while watching TV, playing video games, surfing the net or even reading a book, etc. Set limits on the number of hours your kid gets to spend on these activities (excluding reading and homework). Use the spare time to encourage him/her to exercise.
- Jump onto the bandwagon
Sometimes the best way to encourage your kid to exercise is to start exercising yourself. Lead by example and start exercising daily with your kid. This will definitely encourage him/her to cultivate exercise as a part of his/her daily routine with time.
- Get a buddy involved
Is your kid too shy to exercise with you? Then consider asking a friend of his/her to tag along. Your kid will definitely love to hang out with a friend. You can also make use of the opportunity to introduce some fun activities for them as the perfect excuse to exercising, including riding a bike, playing in the playground, swimming in the pool, or even ice skating in the rink, etc.
- Adopt a pet
This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to get your kids off the couch. A pet will definitely help your child get active in the process of caring for it. Dogs are better preferred in this case as they tend to be very active. Taking care of an active dog daily is enough to provide your kid with the required amount of exercise he/she needs on an everyday basis.
Getting your kids to move out of the couch and start some kind of physical exercise can be a cumbersome task. With some simple tips though, you can ensure that they exercise every day and get to enjoy it in the process.
