How to Defeat Childhood Obesity With Fun Activities

Are you concerned about your child's weight? Of course, all children gain weight as they grow older. However, adding a considerable amount of extra pounds can lead to childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is a medical condition that affects children and their family members. Obesity in children is particularly serious because extra pounds may lead to health problems that were once confined to adults - such as, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and type II diabetes.

One of the best strategies to combat excess weight in your child is to improve the diet and exercise levels for the entire family. Here are some simple exercise activities that can be completed by children, in 30 minutes or less, using a mini trampoline.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• mini trampoline
• hand weights or weighted gloves
• Jumpsnap jump rope

1. 

   Standing: Depending on the weight of your child, the first step it is to simply stand on a mini tramp. They will be working on balance and coordination - just standing on it!

2. 

   Bounce or Jog in Place: Once you are comfortable with balancing, graduate to a bounce or jogging in place. If children are interested in using hand weights, I suggest sticking with 1 or 2 lb weights only! That is enough to increase the heart rate and burn extra calories!

3. 

   Jumping Jacks: Jumping jacks can be dangerous if not done correctly. Work on separating you feet slightly, while you lift and lower your arms, until you get the hang of it. This requires much more coordination than simply bouncing or jogging.

4. 
   JUMPSNAP EQUIPTMENT

   Jump Rope: While bouncing, rotate your arms as if you were jumping rope. They say 10 minutes of jumping rope is comparable to 20-30 minutes of jogging and with the help if a mini tramp you've just added the fun! I suggest you purchase the following items if you are interested in this activity: Google JUMPSNAP and check out a new a creative way to jump without the rope.

5. 

   Jumping while catching and passing a lightweight kick ball: Once your child becomes a superstar on the mini trampoline, he/she can work on jumping/bouncing while working on eye-hand coordination. Try bouncing a ball or throwing a ball back and forth and join in the fun. As a matter of fact the entire family can get involved in this activity.

Tips & Warnings

• always wear shoes when using a trampoline
• consult with your physician regarding an exercise program
• purchase an appropriate sized mini trampoline
• require your child to exercise while watching a favorite 30 min cartoon or show.
• children should be supervised during exercise activities

[sallyemaycreate]

on 8/29/2009 Great tips!!! Thanks for the info 5*