Do you want to raise an active kid? Would you like your child to feel more healthy? We have some top exercise tips for your child.
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Getting the kids away from the TV can be difficult, but there are plenty of ways to encourage them to lead healthier lives. Here are 10 ideas to inspire you.
According to a study in mid-2008, one in four 11 to 15-year-olds are obese. By 2050 this will rise to 50 per cent of all children. On average, kids now spend four hours per day in front of their TV or games console, which could be spent exercising outdoors, either with friends or the family.
So how do you encourage children to get healthy? How can you raise an active kid?
Bristol University’s professor of exercise and health sciences, Ken Fox, has 10 suggestions that can make exercise fun for all the family.
Exercise for children
- Walk or cycle to and from school with the kids as often as possible.
- Build a den or treehouse with them in the school holidays. Or, under supervision, encourage them to climb a tree or two.
- Go roller skating, roller blading or skateboarding, indoor or out. In winter, go ice skating. Kids also love scooters.
- Do an activity challenge together, such as working towards a fun run or a walk for charity.
- Take the dog for a walk. If you don’t have one of your own, ask to borrow a neighbour’s or friend’s dog and take it for a walk.
- Support your kids in sports, clubs or any other activities that may interest them. Joining a weekend club sport ensures commitment to a team and regular exercise. You can find all kinds of sporting facilities in your area at activeplaces.com simply by entering your postcode.
- Find time every weekend to do something active with your children. Play frisbee or football in the park, go trampolining or try indoor rock climbing.
- Fly a kite. The Kite Society of Great Britain's website lists a number of groups that regularly meet for special flying days with experienced members who offer advice and assistance. Some also run kite-making workshops. Go to thekitesociety.org.uk for more information.
- Forget lying on the beach for your next holiday. Choose the active option instead. See ukparks.com for ideas on how to plan a camping adventure.
- The National Parks website at nationalparks.gov.uk has lists of events such as guided walks and children’s fun days, for fresh ideas for active days out.
Source: from the NHS Choices website at nhs.uk
