It’s that time of year again. It’s starting to get cold outside—we will all be spending a lot more time indoors. The TV and video games will get a lot of extra use in most homes during these winter months. So how do we get are children to exercise?
Exercise for your children should not be over looked and can’t be understated. Indoors or out, exercise should be fu...n and exciting for your youngsters. This will lead them to get stronger and more energetic. Making exercise fun for your children will be the first steps to cultivating a lifetime of health and fitness.
Exercise and physical activity has many benefits for your youngsters.
1. DEVELOPS MUSCLE STRENGTH
2. IMPROVES CARDIOVASCULAR CAPACITY
3. KEEPS BONES STRONG
4. DECREASES BODY FAT
5. HELPS TO MAINTAINE A HEALTHY WEIGHT
6. ENHANCES SELF-ESTEEM
7. REDUCES THE RISK OR SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND ANXITY
8. INCREASES CONCENTRATION AND ALERTNESS
9. BOOSTS ENERGY LEVELS
10. FOSTERS FEELINGS OF HAPPINESS
So knowing all of this what should we do? You should accumulate at least 60 minutes a day of structured physical activity and at least 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity which, can be done in 10 minute increments. No child should be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at any time except at bedtime. Keep you kids active.
Play a Game of hot lava:
Children love playing imaginary games. Try this game of imaginary adventure where players pretend they are escaping an active volcano. Randomly place sheets of paper on the floor (you can substitute pillow cases, towels, or any mats), then work your way across the room jumping and leaping from paper to paper, making sure not to touch the “ hot lava” (The Floor). You will increase your heart rate as you challenge the kids to see who can cross the floor first. This game helps develop awareness of balance as they learn to control their body.
Get creative and make it fun, remember children learn from role models so be a healthy role model for you kids.
Brian Castle Fitness Specialist, CWC
For more information visit chelseawellness.org