How to Encourage Children to Exercise

Getting kids to move is essential for their well-being!

Encouraging children to exercise is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and help them grow into happy, healthy adults. For some children, exercise is fun and already a daily part of their lives. For others, it may take some extra encouragement and some creativity to get them moving. While they may resist in the beginning, it is important to keep encouraging them, and to keep looking for fun ways to exercise.

Instructions

1. Play outdoor games. Games such as Red Light, Green Light and Mother, May I? are excellent games to get children out of the house and exercising. Don't call it exercise; call it a game, so children will be more receptive to it. Play with the children as well. It is healthy for you, and kids love it when adults join in.

2. Sign your child up for sports. It may take some effort for a non-athletic child to find a sport he likes, but he won't find that sport if he doesn't try them! High-energy sports such as football, baseball, softball, soccer and basketball are all great, but there are lower-energy sports that will also get your child out and moving, such as golf and horseback riding.

3. Consider getting your child a dog or puppy if you don't have one. She can be in charge of playing with and walking the dog. Most kids love animals and are more apt to get out and play with them. If you already have one, put your child in charge of walking it. If getting a dog or puppy is out of the question, call or visit your local animal shelter to see about volunteering as dog walkers.

4. Arrange playdates. Other children are great at getting kids to move. Implement a rule strictly limiting time in front of the television, computer and video games.

5. Have your child keep a journal of his daily activities. This is a great way to teach him about the importance of exercise and will help him realize if he is being active each and every day. Make this is a fun activity. For smaller children, drawing pictures is just as acceptable as writing.

6. Put on some fun music that kids love and dance away. Make some funny dance moves to get the kids laughing and having fun. This can be done inside or out, making this a great rainy-day activity.

7. Take a family hike or bike ride. It's good for family bonding and exercise, and the fresh air is good for the spirit as well. Try a different route every time, and consider loading the bikes on the car and going out to different bike trails or parks.

8. Set up an obstacle course, and run it with the children. Then have the children set up their own obstacle course, and run it with them. This encourages activity and creativity, and is fun for everyone.

Tips & Warnings

• Make it fun, not work.

• Encourage stretching before any strenuous exercise.