Kids Fitness

Why should children have healthy fitness and nutritional habits?

Physically active children have fewer chronic health problems. Exercise reduces the risk for developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure. Staying fit can also boost self-esteem. The most important thing you can do for your children is to teach them to value their well-being. Being healthy and fit will not only put them in touch with their bodies, it will also increase their personal image and help them establish a desire to set personal goals.

How can I motivate my children to exercise?

If you want your children to become interested in exercise it is important for them to see you taking care of yourself. As a parent, it’s up to you to play the part in your child’s fitness and lead by example. You can’t just tell kids that being active is fun. You have to show them. Try taking your kids hiking, biking, and dancing, sledding and in-line skating. You should plan activities that focus on physical activity instead of watching television or going to the movies.

How much physical activity should my kids perform per day?

Children should accumulate at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Children should participate in a variety of non-competitive activities at varied levels of intensity. Daily activity should include 10 to 15 minute periods of vigorous exercise. Kids should learn skills for a lifetime of fitness, including activities such as swimming, hiking, jogging and bicycling.

At what age can my child begin strength training?

It is never too late or too early to get kids physically active. Children as young as six-years-old may strength train as long as they focus on proper form and technique and are under the constant supervision of an adult.

What strength-training exercises might be good for kids?

Pull-ups and push-ups are great strengthening exercises for kids since they must only support their own body weight. Children may work out two to three times per week, performing one set of seven or eight simple exercises at 10 to 15 repetitions. Biceps curls or leg extensions are best for young weightlifters. It is important that an adult closely supervises all strength-training exercises at all times. Children should avoid competitive weight lifting and concentrate on performing all exercises with proper training technique.

How can I improve my child’s eating habits?

Stock the refrigerator with healthy foods like fruits and vegetables so that when they reach for a snack they find a healthy choice. Parents who have a lifestyle that includes healthful foods and physical fitness are role models for their children. The behaviors children see at home are most likely the ones they will adopt for themselves. A good way to get children involved and committed to healthy food choices is to involve them with the food shopping and preparation. Children who feel competent to select and prepare food will make more intelligent food choices.