Fun Ways to Get Your Children to Exercise

Fun Ways to Get Your Children to Exercise

Is your kid a couch potato?  Follow these fun and easy ways get your children to exercise!

With childhood obesity on the rise, it’s more important than ever to make sure your child is getting the necessary physical activity.  Getting your child to exercise at an early age will make them more likely to maintain a high level of physical activity throughout their adolescence, and can prevent serious health issues that stem from inactivity later on in their lives.  Learn how to get your children to exercise by following these fun ways to promote physical activity.

Play “Animals”

Encourage your child to imitate different animals to get their whole body in motion.  Can they leap like a frog?  Crawl like a bear?  Walk like a crab?  This is a great way for your child to get the exercise they need while still expressing their creativity.  This activity increases stamina and strengthen muscles.

Play “Simon-Says Soccer”

Roll a ball towards your child and call out how to kick it or throw it.  For example, you can direct your child to kick the ball softly to the left.  Incorporating objects like balls can make playing even more fun for your child.  They also have the added benefit of improving your child’s hand-eye coordination.

Play “Wheelbarrow Obstacle Course”

This is a great activity to do inside on soft carpeting.  Set up a couple of obstacles (a stack of pillows works great!).  Then, have your child assume the wheelbarrow position where you hold their ankles while they walk on their hands.  Have them navigate around your obstacle course without knocking anything over.  This game helps strengthen muscles while also promoting flexibility.

Try some of these fun activities to get your children to exercise!  For any questions about your child’s health, contact Pediatric Surgical Associates.  Our Orange County pediatric surgeons are experts at keeping your kids happy and healthy!

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