Exercise and Your Child - Teaching Your Child To Be More Physically Active

Exercise For Kids

Nobody can deny the fact that obesity in children is an overwhelming issue in our culture today.  Many factors contribute to recent reports of more and more children becoming obese.  Much of the problem has to do with the sake of convenience and saving time. With readily available foods being filled with fat and sugar rather than nutritionally beneficial ingredients, children are being stuffed with things that are not good for their weight or their health.  The fact that most unhealthy foods are less expensive than their healthier counterparts only adds to the quandary.

Food is not the only culprit when discussing the causes of childhood obesity.  Many parents do not do enough to encourage their child to "go outside and play" or get involved in athletic activities.  There are so many things to do inside the house while sitting in a big, comfortable chair that a child feels no need to move anymore than they have to.  Naturally, your child's safety does play a large part in their ability to roam around outside.  But there are alternatives that provide avenues for both exercise and safety.

There are several things that parents can do to encourage their children to become more active. The best way to encourage children to exercise is to be an example. Even when your children are babies, they should see you exercising, making physical activity an important part of your life. As they grow up seeing you enjoying being active, they will learn that exercise and physical activity is fun and an important part of your life.

Make exercise fun for your family. Think of things you can do together that encourage your children to get up and start moving! Install a basketball hoop in your driveway, and spend time shooting hoops with your kids. If your kids enjoy riding bikes, get yourself on your bike and take a ride as a family. If your child enjoys martial arts, then enroll him or her and a karate class. The key is to find something that inspires your child and encourage them to pursue that activity.

Another way to get your child moving even if the weather outside is not conducive to outside activities is through exercise videos. Find an exercise video or DVD that is aimed at children, and do the routine with your children. Not only will your children be healthier, but you just might loose a few pounds as well! Again, keep it fun! Laugh at the mistakes that you make, and stay upbeat!

Not all children have the ability to be athletic.  If you child does not have an affection toward any sport, do not force them into playing sports.  Sports are not the important factor when teaching your child about exercise. The importance of finding fun and enjoyable activities that your child will look forward to doing should be a parent's main focus to reduce the child's inactive habits.  Helping them to see that exercise is not a mundane, boring part of life but rather a fun and exciting idea will help ensure that your child will take these ideas with them as they grow into healthy adults.

To discover more click here Child Obesity Media Coverage and more information at Child Obesity In America and go to Obese Children And Self Esteem