In an age of digital distractions, it’s difficult to get kids interested in exercise. Still, as parents, we realize this is a habit that will empower the rest of their lives.
It’s unnecessary to enroll your children in an expensive activity or demanding sport to motivate them to exercise. Many other ways can help you get them to take an interest in physical activity.
For parents alarmed at their children’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle, here are five tips.
Make exercise a family affair by joining a gym
There are many gyms in your city. Find one convenient for you. For example, if you live in the capital of Colorado, find workout classes in Denver close to your home.
You can find gyms in your neighborhood that allow children if you simply call and ask. You can also visit their websites to find out about their policies.
For safety reasons, most gyms require children to be at least thirteen years old to use their facilities. However, because of the push back from parents whose children want to get fit for their school’s sports team, many gyms will compromise. They will let children use their gym if accompanied by a parent.
Adopt a fitness lifestyle yourself.
Since your children watch and copy your behavior, use this as an opportunity to be a good role model by exercising regularly at home.
You’ll be surprised by how fast they will want to join in if they think you’re having all the fun. It will be easy to get them involved in your yoga or other exercise routines you’re doing to stay strong, fit, and healthy.
Plan family activities such as bike rides
Even modern children love to ride their bikes. It remains a perennial favorite activity of every generation because it’s a simple, adventurous, and fun way to hang out with friends and have a great time.
While they don’t think of it as exercise, hours of biking around the neighborhood promote healthy bone development, muscle size and strength, weight loss, cardiovascular health, and endurance. It’s also easy on the joints.
Besides encouraging your kids to go on bike rides with their friends, also plan family biking activities; perhaps biking in parks, alongside beaches, or up and down mountain paths. Getting outdoors on a bike is a smart way for families to stay healthy, save money, and exercise together.
Schedule family trips for walking or hiking
You can plan other activities too. If you live near the coast, schedule long walks on the beach; if you live in a city, frequent large parks; and, if you live in a mountainous area, visit popular hiking trails.
Find out what sports your children’s school offers
Since local schools offer sports teams, leagues, and classes to keep kids active, healthy, and happy, encourage your children to join a team or sign up for a class. This is a wonderful way to establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
To get your kids interested in sports, help them decide on something they’ll enjoy. Kids will develop an interest in joining extracurricular school activities if you let them think it’s their idea.
Parent With Patience and Perseverance
If you want to interest your kids in fitness and health, be subtle about it. Plant the seed and walk away. Initially, they may not be interested, but if you encourage rather than force the notion, they may come around to your way of thinking. So don’t worry if they become completely enthralled by their new Pokémon Snap. Instead, ask them if they would like to go for a bike ride or hang out at the gym to celebrate their high scores.
*Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels
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