Getting Your Kids Excited for Exercise
By Brandi Goodman
Exercise may not sound fun to you. Will it sound fun to your kids? As long as you create some enjoyable options for them, it will be beneficial for everyone. You can get your kids (and yourself) excited about fitness if you try.
Turn Transportation Into an Exercise Option
Don't drive your car to get to your destination. It may be quicker, but it doesn't give anyone the chance to move. Turn your transportation time into an exercise option so you and your kids can have fun getting there. You could all walk to a local park for some fun, or you could enjoy a bike ride on the way to lunch.
Gift Activities
Kids are often excited to open presents. Gift them some activities they can do outdoors (or even inside) and they may be more likely to want to try them. Get them something they'll enjoy using that promotes physical activity. A basketball, hula hoop, jump rope, and things of that nature are ideal.
Plan Physical Vacations
A vacation doesn't have to include sitting around all day. You can have time to relax in the evenings, but the daytime should be filled with physical activities. Plan a physical vacation or even day trip that will have everyone excited to attend. You could go canoeing, head to the beach for some swimming, go to a trampoline park or indoor event center, or enjoy off-road cycling adventures. You and the kids will have a blast.
Have a Dance Party
Dancing is excellent exercise. Get everyone into the living room and have a dance party. Just be sure you're turning on songs your kids enjoy and not just ones you know. They'll be more likely to participate. This would make a great option on a rainy day to add a bit of fun into it.
Invite Their Friends
Once kids start to get older and close in on their teenage years, you may find it difficult to get them to spend time with you. They're more into their friends at this age. Make the exercise plan more enjoyable for them by inviting their friends to join. Tell them you'll take them and a friend to the skate park or skating rink. You could even set up your own obstacle course in your yard for them and their friends to complete. They may be happier exercising with a buddy than their parent.
Incorporate fun activities into your family plans and everyone can enjoy the exercise they're doing. You want your kids excited for exercise so they're more likely to want to participate. Planning enjoyable events that they'll be happy to partake in is key.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Richmond, Va.