I’m not going to lie, when I think of exercise I don’t think of fun. As parents it is our job to find ways to make exercise fun for our children and get kids excited about exercise. They are growing and need to stay healthy and strong.
With the decline of physical education in schools, it is so much more important for parents to get their kids up and moving at home. We need to set a solid foundation of physical fitness so they can grow into healthy adults.
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There are so many things vying for your child’s attention, especially technology. I let my daughter watch TV and play with her tablet but I also make sure she goes outside and plays.
Kids need 30 minutes of exercise each day. This can be anything that gets them active, they don’t have to actually do a workout or go to the gym. The most important thing is to make it fun!
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How to Get Kids Excited About Exercise
Set a Good Example
You know the saying ” actions are stronger than words”, it’s so true when it comes to teaching kids. If they see you being fit and active, they will want to be as well.
I have made exercise a part of my morning routine. I workout every day using my Beachbody on Demand subscription and my daughter watches me do it.
She is only 3 but she likes to get up and do the workout with me, especially the cool down section…she thinks it’s fun to do the stretching :).
She’s seeing that I am doing this to stay healthy and strong. I never say that I need to lose weight in front of her. I try to make it seem fun and let her know that I feel great afterwards.
Mix it Up
Kids get bored easily so it is a good idea to mix up the physical activities that you want to do as a family. You can go for a walk one day and ride bikes the next.
In the summer, hit the pool and play a game of tag in the backyard. This will keep them excited about trying a different activity every day so they won’t feel stuck in a rut.
I like that Beachbody on Demand offers different workouts that kids and families can do together. You can choose a different workout each day like dancing, cardio, or yoga to mix it up.
How do you Make Exercise Fun for Kids?
Invite their Friends
It’s harder for kids to back out of a commitment when they know their friends are coming. Invite their friends to go on a hike, go to the playground, or even for a walk around the neighborhood.
It will make it more fun and it will give them something to look forward to.
Let them Choose
If the whole family is doing fitness together, let each family member choose the activities for a week. Every one will get their own week to choose and come up with different activities that they want to do.
This helps kids feel more involved and lets them work on being responsible since the whole family is counting on them to pick the activities.
By picking their favorite fitness activities, they will want to do them more than if you tell them what to do.
Try Something New
A few times a month, try a new activity as a family. Instead of doing the same old walk or riding bikes, check out other things you haven’t done before.
I like checking out the deals on Groupon. You can find some great bargains on family activities. Just go to the “Things to Do” section and browse what is in your area.
I found things like bowling, laser tag, inflatable centers, rock climbing, horseback riding, paintball, archery, karate, and so much more.
You can also check your local YMCA and churches to see what activities and classes they may be offering.
Watch What you Say
Kids really listen to what you say. Watch how you talk about exercise and fitness. Make it seem like something you do for fun, not as a punishment.
Talk about exercise as a way of staying healthy and in shape. Not that you have to do it to loose weight or because you ate too much.
When kids associate fitness with being fun, they will want to do it everyday! You won’t have to nag them to put down the tablet or turn off the TV.
Make fitness and exercise a family affair. Not only will this get kids excited about exercise but it will be a great way for your family to bond and be closer. Life can get crazy so set aside some time for your health.
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