Physical activity is essential to keep our bodies healthy and fit. This applies to all human beings irrespective of age or gender, with families working to improve kids fitness. Being active is very important, especially at a young age. There was a time when kids loved playing outdoor games so much that the parents thought of ways to get their kids back to the house on time. Because of all those physical activities, kids used to be fit, active, and healthy.
Well, nowadays, the scenario is different. In most houses, outdoor games are replaced by mobile, television, PS., Xbox, etc. Too many of these games have an ill effect on kids. It hampers their eyes as well as body postures. Besides, sitting in front of these devices does not involve physical activity. The only muscle developed by playing these games is that of our fingers. This inactivity further results in stiffness and lack of flexibility in kids. Lack of vitamin D and B-12 has become very common in kids.
Similarly, another most common health problem seen in today’s generation is obesity. Yes, it’s true. Most of the kids eat food while watching television. This hampers their digestion. Lack of physical activity is another reason for obesity in kids.
8 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Improve Kids Fitness
Sedentary and lack of physical activity in childhood hampers adulthood also. Individuals who lacked physical activity in their youth tend to carry forward the same habits and have higher chances of depression, diabetes, and heart diseases.
So, if you are a parent who is worried about your kid’s physical fitness, then this article can be of great help. Getting your kid involved in any physical activity does not mean they have to be a football or basketball champion. If you want your kid to be physically active, you have to put an extra effort into shifting your kid’s interest from playing video or mobile games to going for a walk, playing an outdoor sport, cycling, etc.
Below we have discussed eight simple ways by which you can improve your child’s physical fitness and overall development.
1. Set a Good Example
Kids tend to look at their parents and try to imbibe their habits. So, to bring a change in your kid, you first have to bring a change in yourself. If you want your kid to participate in physical activity, you have to start working on the same line. Be a good example for your kid. When your kid sees that you go for a walk or swim regularly, then the chances of following your footsteps would be pretty high. Try to involve your kids in your fitness program. For example, go cycling with them or swim with them. Take your kid to some park and play with them in your free time.
If you are overweight, you might first want to lose some weight to become a fit, active, and healthy dad. Start with eating healthy and following a healthy lifestyle. Phentermine could also support you in your mission of losing those extra kilos. “Phentermine prescription” can easily be obtained online.
2. Establish a Regular Schedule for Physical Activity
If you want your kid to be regular with physical activity, then try to make it a part of your daily routine. For example, if your kid knows that evening 5-6 is park time, then by default, they will follow that routine.
Try to fix some time of the day or week for a particular physical activity. You can adjust the weekend mornings for physical activity like riding a bicycle, swimming, etc.
Another way to make physical activity a part of your kid’s daily routine is by putting in some sports coaching like tennis, football, skating, etc.
3. Let them “play” gym
If you are a gym freak, you can improve your child’s fitness by participating in gym activities. Weight training sessions are highly avoidable for kids as they might hamper their bone growth. Rest, let them enjoy the gym with you. If they want to run on the treadmill, let them do it.
If they’re going to join you in power clean, wind sprints, etc., make them do it but teach them the proper technique. Let them do whatever they want. However, tell them how to use the equipment safely. If your kids love doing a workout with you, you can look forward to having a garage gym.
Remember, if your kid is too young, let the aim of the gym only be fun and play. After all, you can always train them when they reach the right age.
4. Participate in a Variety of Activities That Are Age-appropriate
When we talk about physical activities for kids, it doesn’t only mean playing baseball or basketball. You can motivate your kid to go for any physical activity with their age. Some of the most common physical activities are:
- Soccer
- Biking
- Hiking
- Dancing
- Playing on a jungle gym.
- Swimming
5. Feed Your Kids Well
Involving your kid in some physical activity will not survive the purpose of keeping them fit and active if they eat junk food. A healthy and nutritious diet is essential for growing kids. Our body needs lots of vitamins, minerals, and proteins at a growing age. Hence, you need to make sure your kid gets all the essential nutrients required by the body. Nowadays, kids are more interested in eating burgers, fries, chocolates, etc. It would help if you told them about the importance of eating healthy food. Try to use junk food as a reward, like a chocolate/ a doughnut if the kid finishes all the veggies. Try restricting junk food only once or twice a week.
6. Make it fun
Little kids love doing things that have a fun element attached to them. They don’t need much push to jump like a kangaroo or a frog. Similarly, kids love playing in the rain or having a pillow fight. Also, you might not have to push your kid to dance to their favorite song. Hence, try to engage your kid in a physical activity that they enjoy. This way, they will have fun doing that too, with a smile on their faces.
7. Try using exercise as a reward
Kids love doing things on their terms. If you try to force something on them, they might show resistance. Hence, instead of forcing your kid to go out and play, try using exercise as a reward or break. Yes, your child might love to go out and play if you use it as a way to take a break from studies. Try it; it works.
You can also reward them with a physical item that will motivate them to continue active. For example, if your kid is showing interest in playing soccer, consider buying them a new soccer ball, a pair of indoor cleats, or even a jersey of their favorite soccer player.
8. Tell them, doing exercise is in
The pressure of peer groups or what’s in and what does not significantly influence kids. Try to persuade your kid that doing exercise is the new in-thing. Your kid might want to do karate like Bruce Lee, kick a football like Ronaldo, learn the latest dance move popular on YouTube.
Improve Kids Fitness
As a parent, we play a significant role in the development of our children. It is we who are responsible for their physical fitness. So, let us start avoiding giving them the remote so that they can watch T.V. and we can have our moment of peace. Instead, let’s try to keep them busy doing some fun-filled physical activity.