Get Your Kids Moving!
By Donna Stark
As most parents eventually come to realize, it can be extremely difficult to convince our children to prioritize their health and wellness, because more often than not, they won't listen to us. In fact, it seems as if they actually enjoy doing the exact opposite of what we try to teach them, right? From diet to sleep, everything seems to be a battle, but there is one area of health and wellness that our children may be interested in, and that area is exercise. Because as we all know, kids do not like to sit still and if there is anything they like to do, it's to move. So let's get creative! We may even inspire them to exercise on their own every single day!
Get Your Kids Moving Toward Great Health
Exercising has so many benefits for both our physical and mental well-being, but sometimes, just saying the word "exercise" to your children can put enough dread into their hearts that their only response is to avoid both you and it at all costs. So, you may need to make their exercise feel more like play and you can do so with the following suggestions.
- Obstacle courses - Take your children to the playground and have fun creating your very own obstacle course! But don't forget to bring your hula hoops, orange cones, and balls from home. You can use them to get your kids moving even more!
- Jump ropes - Jump ropes are inexpensive and extremely portable, so you can take them anywhere, but don't underestimate the workout you can get just because they are fun. Give double-dutch a try and you will see what I mean.
- Hiking - Grab everyone in your family, lace up your shoes, and hit the trails! Hiking is a great way to spend your day outdoors while enjoying the best that Mother Nature has to offer. Throw in some rocks to climb, creeks to cross, and downed trees to jump and you'll have yourself a fun, but exhilarating, workout!
- Old-school games - All of those games that you grew up playing are waiting for their comeback, so tell your kids to grab their friends and meet you out front for some good, old-fashioned fun. Introduce them to capture the flag, Wiffle ball, or any other game you played when you were their age. It's a great way to reminisce and share some fun with your children and their friends.
Be the Role Model
Teaching your children the importance of fitness is one thing, but being active right alongside them is something else. So go ahead and encourage all of those healthy habits but don't forget to include yourself too. It's a great way to help them establish healthy habits that will follow them into adulthood.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chino Hills, Calif.