Getting Your Kids to Exercise

By Randi Morse

We're currently seeing the effects that occur from living in such a highly digital world. I remember how I would constantly be outside when I was growing up. I'd be running around, playing games with friends and making up imaginary worlds to roam around in. Today's children face an entirely different situation. They don't need to make up fake worlds as they simply have to turn on a cell phone or gaming console to be transported to one. The debate about whether this is a good thing, or a bad thing will likely continue on for a long time, but one thing that we do know is that children need to get exercise.

Exercise is not only important thing for the physical body, it's important for mental health as well. Children who get into a regular exercise routine are able to build stronger muscles in their core and their back. These muscles are extremely important for helping to keep the body strong and injury-free. But how do you get your children exercising when all they want to do is go on an electronic device?

Going Together

One of the best ways to get your family moving is to do it together. Take a weekend day, like a Saturday or a Sunday, and make plans to do something fun. When you incorporate fun with exercise you're able to make everything much more enjoyable, which means that the children are more likely to engage and truly get a workout. It's important to remember that exercise can be anything from playing a game of baseball to taking a long hike. Find some fun hiking spots and plan on spending a day together. Bring snacks and lunch and you can even sweeten the deal by promising your children some sort of special treat once you've accomplished a goal.

Start Slowly

Don't expect that you're going to be able to have a 90-minute soccer game when you first start exercising. You may have to start really slowly, by simply kicking the ball back and forth in your yard. You're trying to build a routine, and starting slowly is generally the best way to do that.

Exercise can be found in all sorts of places and doesn't have to be boring. When you're trying to get your children to exercise, make sure you find an aerobic activity that includes a ton of fun in it. The more enjoyment your children get out of the activity, the more exercise they'll get.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Burlington, Mass.