8 Fun Ways to Get Your Kids to Exercise

Posted July 16th, 2012
by TermLifeInsurance.org Staff Writer (no comments)

According to the American Heart Association, one in three American children are overweight or obese. The current rate of childhood obesity has nearly tripled since 1963, and it is now the leading health concern of parents in the U.S. There has never been a more pressing time than now to get American children exercising and eating healthier. How, you ask? By giving them activities that are fun, stimulating, and unexpectedly burn lots of calories. Here are eight fun ways to get your kids to exercise:

Play interactive video games:

Not all video games involve sitting on the couch and vegging out on junk food. Some interactive video game systems, like Nintendo Wii, get players up and moving while playing sports or learning a new dance routine. Children won’t know they’re actually exercising and burning calories because they’ll be having so much fun.
Create a rewards system:

Exercising can be extra fun when there’s a reward involved. It might be best to cater your rewards with the type of goals you hope to achieve. For example, if you are trying to help your child lose weight, you could let them have a brownie or soda as a reward for their hard work. You can also create a points system for making healthy food choices, which can add up to a prize or fun outing.
Make your backyard a playground:

One of the best ways to get your kids to exercise is to turn your backyard into a playground. Make room for a fun game of tag or throw the Frisbee around. You may also want to consider investing in a trampoline or a playground set with swings, slides, and climbers. All of these activities will get their heart rate up and burning calories.
Take up family sports:

Kids are more likely to exercise if they do it as a family. It doesn’t matter if you play basketball, soccer, water volleyball, or baseball, just do an activity that everyone likes and will look forward to participating in. Not only is this a great bonding experience for the whole family, but it also builds important character qualities that your children will use their whole life.
Sign them up for sports:

One of the best ways to increase your child’s activity level and give them a head start on lifelong fitness is to sign them up for sports. Most children will have a natural preference for one sport over another, but it never hurts to expose them to several different sports early on. They may have to try a handful of sports before they find one that they excel at most.
Take your kids to sporting events:

Sometimes kids need to see the payoff and point of regular exercise by seeing an athlete in action. Children need to understand that in order to be an athlete, you will have to work hard, exercise, and eat right to fuel your body to perform challenging activities like hitting a baseball, dunking a basketball, or scoring a touchdown. Be sure to emphasize the importance of effort and improvement over winning.
Walk or bike to your destination:

One of the best ways to sneak in some valuable exercise is to walk or bike to your destination instead of driving. In addition to working up a sweat, you’ll also have the opportunity to talk with your child and take in the sights of your community.
Get in the water:

Whether you’re diving in the pool or frolicking in the ocean, swimming is one of the best ways for kids to exercise and have fun at the same time. It doesn’t matter what body of water you swim in, just make sure you or another adult is supervising. Be sure to provide you child with proper flotation devices, goggles, and fun pool toys to keep them busy.