How to Get Your Kids to Exercise

With the exception of the Wii game system, kids are captivated by games and other electronics that require them to be seated for long periods of time. Get them moving again and show them that exercising can be fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• to be creative.
• to be able to spend some quality time with your kids.
• to be persuasive.
• a variety of sport balls and some other sporting equipment.

How to Get your Kids to Exercise

1. Pick two or three days a week and have a family free for all. Pick something to do as a family, a walk, a basketball game at the part or local gym, or a couple hours at the skating rink. You will get fit along with your kids and it's a great way to burn off stress.
2. Park away from the mall when you go shopping. Walk to the building and make a couple of laps when you get inside.
3. Find activities they like to do and provide them opportunities to do them. If you don't want to participate, spectate. Kids like to make their parents proud of them, even though sometimes they don't act like it.
4. Start them young! If exercising is part of their routine when they are a toddler, they are more apt to stay active as adolescents.
5. If they don't like sports, introduce them to dance or martial arts. If your kids like music, crank up the tunes when they do chores. Movement can be contagious, once you start you can't stop.

Tips & Warnings

• Start early, the younger the better.
• Find things they like to do and encourage them.
• Be creative and try new and different activities.
• Get wellness checkups for your kids every year.
• Don't bribe them. Use rewards for the family as a whole.
• Don't turn exercising into a punishment.