Getting kids to exercise the fun way!
Encouraging children to exercise can be a bit of an uphill struggle at times. Gone are the days where children want to go outdoors and play. A lot of children prefer to watch TV or play computer games, but it’s so important to teach children the benefits of exercise.
I enjoy exercising and for me that means running on my treadmill, going for long walks, swimming or spin classes. Obviously I can’t take my children with me to a spin class and I wouldn’t recommend getting a three year on a treadmill, but there are some activities that you and your children can do together.
Long walks are great fun regardless of the weather. If it’s raining just throw on a coat and a pair of wellies, and you can go on a puddle hunt! In the summer you could collect leaves, sticks and maybe even some conquers on your walk to create a crafty picture.
If you’re children aren’t keen on walking then a pair of Heelys are usually pretty handy in encouraging your children to tag along! Available online from the likes of Proline Skates, Heelys look like trainers, but on the bottom they have wheels meaning they double up as roller-skates!
As mentioned above swimming is also a fun way for children to exercise. Most leisure centres offer swimming lessons and when your child is competent enough they can join you on your regular swims too.
Of course exercise doesn’t have to be expensive. If you have a garden then you can encourage your children to have a game of football or bounce on their trampoline – not that I imagine children would need any encouragement to get on a trampoline!
Going for a bike ride can also be a great form of exercise and one that the whole family can get involved in. Why not take a picnic and a ball with you so you can stop for a bite to eat and a kick about!
What do you do to help encourage your children to exercise?
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