How to Get Kids to Exercise
When it comes to keeping your kids active, it can feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle…and losing. Between video games, Netflix Binging, cell phones and iPads, it can be almost impossible to pull kids off the couch and do anything that doesn’t require an electronic device. But, between childhood obesity rates rising and diabetes becoming a real threat for many, it’s more important than ever to get kids off the couch and keep them moving.
If they love sports, it’s easy to keep them active, but not all kids do. Here are a few unconventional ways to get reluctant kids and teens away from their devices and get their hearts pumping.
Do It as a Family
It’s tough enough to get kids and teens to do something they don’t want to do, but if they think they are being singled out, it will be downright impossible. Encourage activities that you can all do together, all siblings and parents included, that help you bond as a family and get you all off the couch and out of the house. You can even get the family pooch involved.
Try:
Walking the Dog
Bike Riding
Roller Skating
A trip to the park
Ice Skating
Play Games
Get creative. Exercise doesn’t have to be boring moves, long jogs, or tedious weight lifting. There are plenty of games out there that qualify as exercise but can also be fun. You can even think beyond typical sports if your child isn’t the athletic type. Ever been to a Trampoline Park? Your kids will love it and they will definitely leave out of breath.
Try:
Frisbee Golf
Kickball
Dodgeball
Rock Climbing
Work
If your child refuses to exercise but has chores they do for an allowance, get sneaky and combine them. A lot of chores require the physical movement that will amp up their heart rate just enough to qualify as exercise. If you pay them to do chores and you may actually be paying them to work out.
Try:
Gardening/Pulling weeds
Raking
Shoveling Snow
Cleaning the Garage
Painting
Mowing the lawn
Yoga
Yoga may be a great way to relax, meditate and help calm your child’s moods, but it’s also a great way to get them exercise. Even the most simple yoga moves can get their bodies moving, stretch their limbs and strengthen their cores. Yoga is easy to start as there is no equipment required, sometimes you don’t even need a mat. You don’t need to go to a call as there are plenty of videos available online. Put their screen time to good use!
Start Slow
Don’t try to introduce too much too soon. Especially if your kids get very little movement and are reluctant try, trying to form a complete workout routine in one day will only frustrate them and encourage them to give sooner. Start small by just getting them outside at first. Even if it’s just to toss a ball back and forth or just hang out in the shade. Then, start introducing the activities mentioned above until doing something psychical everyday becomes a part of your routine.
Don’t be Picky
Anything besides being on the couch can be acceptable when it comes to keeping active. Don’t be discouraged if your kid doesn’t want to run the mile, skate around the neighborhood or even play a sport. If you can get them to walk to their friends house instead of driving them, take it as a win. If they offer to walk the dog, take it as a win. Any of the above activities can be exercise and there are many more ways your kids can get active.
Not all kids are meant to play sports but all kids need to stay active. Try some of these games and activities to help fight obesity and keep your kids healthy.