According to the research, only one-third of children are doing physical activities every day. Now children spend more than seven and a half hours in front of the screen (such as TV, computers & video games). You might realize that these choices add up quickly as your kids move less and eat more processed junk food.
Overweight teens have a 70% chance of becoming obese or overweight. That's why you must help your child make positive changes to maintain a healthy weight. But parents know it can be challenging to motivate their kids to be physically active.
How can you get your kids off the couch without this being a big fight? Here are some creative ways to encourage your kids to exercise without realizing them, like you're setting up a weight loss plan or forcing them to exercise.
1. BE A ROLE MODEL:
Your kids will monitor and imitate your good and bad habits. If your children see you being physically active and having fun, they are more likely to stay active throughout their lives.
2. USE EXERCISE AS A MEAN OF TRANSPORTATION:
Walk your kids to school, roller skate to the park, or bike to meet friends. You can park at the end of the parking area and go through the stairs instead of the elevator.
3. FOCUS ON HAVING FUN:
Children love to have fun, so they are more likely to keep exercising if they do an activity they enjoy. Play the music, have a dance party, or take long walks on trips to the zoo, park, or mini-golf course.
4. MAKE ACTIVITIES SOCIAL:
Invite your kids' friends to join the activity. The main reason kids stick to the activity is that they are involved and accountable. They may have more fun this way.
5. INVOLVE CHILDREN IN HOUSEHOLD CHORES:
Many household activities, such as washing the car or dog or mowing the lawn, are great ways to get exercise.
6. GIVE GIFTS THAT ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
Bicycles, rollerblades, ice skates, footballs, and even video games with active play are fantastic gifts that encourage physical activity. Activity tracking apps and technologies are also fun options for children.
7. LIMIT TELEVISION AND COMPUTER TIME:
Provide them active options, such as an after-school program or going to a local recreation center, or participating in a sports class they like. If your family is watching TV together, get everyone moving during the commercials by jumping jacks, using a hula hoop, or even jumping rope.
8. PLAN YOUR VACATION WITH NEW EXERCISE OPTIONS:
Plan your family vacation with an activity or two. Think about hiking, kayaking, off-road biking, camping, or snorkeling. You will explore new places and teach your children to appreciate nature. Besides, the activities you try during the holidays may become your family's hobbies in the coming years.
Whether you get your child to involve in your fitness routine or keep them around you during exercise - you must make them recognize that health and well-being are a top priority in your life. It means 15 minutes of exercise in the morning, a walk after dinner, or 5 minutes of yoga before bed (together!). Notice that these decisions profoundly affect them as they grow up and develop their daily routines and habits.
If you're looking for fun activities and exercise programs for your kids and teens reach out to us at Gantry Kids & Teens in New York. We're looking forward to working with you and your kids. Whether a novice or elite athlete, we got you covered with classes, after school, camps, the occasional Saturday night, private training or even celebrating a special event. We’re Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today!
Contact us today.
