With technologies continually rising, almost every activity in modern life is connected with the Internet, gadgetry and other computer-age advancements. But are the days of activity and sweat-breaking exercise for kids really lost in today’s fast paced life? Fitness and kids can still come together, in spite of all the high-tech toys. So how can we make sure that kids understand why they need fitness and help them learn to enjoy it?

Is there a need for exercise for kids?

Being overweight and/or obese is no longer confined to adults and old age. In the US alone, 1 out of 3 children are either overweight or obese. And this ratio is increasing at an alarming rate every year. This percentage can be accounted to the shortage or total loss of effective fitness and kids programs.

The weight problems kids are facing as youth will affect them not only now, but as they grow into adulthood. They will continue suffer from adverse health, a poor self image, and obesity issues. However, if parents and guardians could teach children enjoyable exercises now, then their lives, both physiologically and socially, can still be saved.

Can fitness and kids still mesh together?

It is possible to teach kids a love of fitness, if it is approached in the right way. As a parent or guardian, you must understand the value of fitness for yourself so you can easily introduce the appropriate physical health program to your children. First of all, fitness is not merely a set of exercises. You must include proper diet, hygiene and emotional health in their daily lives. Fitness and healthy living must become a lifestyle

Fitness and kids can easily work together if there is the fun factor. Explain to them the benefits of each activity as you introduce them. Start by being an example, and encourage your children to join in. Soon you will have a fun, family fitness program where you will be building healthy bodies and a great relationship!

How to get started with your own fitness and kids program

Indulge in outdoor activities. When was the last time you and the kids went to the park? Revive the thrill of camping trips, hiking, biking and other similar adventures. Make it a habit to run together, play jumping rope and boxing and being involved in interactive sports at least twice a week.

Give your family diet a makeover, with the kids help. Let them help plan healthy foods and make sure you incorporate their choices. Make sure that fruits, vegetables and other nutritious sources are part of your daily diet and teach your kids about why they are important.

By creating a family fitness plan, you can help your entire family become healthier. In the process you will find a family that is stronger physically, mentally and emotionally.

Cathy is a freelance writer who enjoys fitness and the outdoors. She loves to work in the garden using her folding wheelbarrow to haul all her supplies. As an avid gardener, Cathy realizes the importance of a great yard cart to keep her supplies organized while she works!

Every parent wants healthy kids, what parent doesn’t right? From the moment of conception, most mothers just pray for a healthy and normal baby. It’s easy enough to keep babies healthy. We choose what they eat, and we can keep them active. The challenge begins when they become old enough to walk on their own, talk, and make some decisions. Developing kids healthy habits is a challenge many parents face everyday, here are some great tips to keeping your kids healthy in all aspects!

Start Young

Habits are formed when you’re young. Look at what you do everyday, chances are you’ll be able to pinpoint something that you’ve been doing for years! These habits probably started when you were a child. This will be the same for you children. Whatever becomes comfortable to them while young becomes habit. The important thing as a parent is to mold healthy habits. Start as soon as they begin showing signs of independence, and try to mold habits in them till they’re around thirteen or fourteen. If you can have habits that have stuck from the time they’re toddlers to the time they’re pre-teens, chances are they will carry these habits on to adulthood.

Stay Clean!

One way to make sure your kids stay healthy and illness free is to make sure they stay clean. Make sure they have the habit of taking a bath at least once a day, brushing their teeth twice a day, washing their hands before and after every meal, and after handling money. Keeping your kids clean is a good way to fight of germs. Don’t put your kids in a bubble, though. It is okay to play in the mud from time to time, so long as they take good baths afterwards.

Keep Active!

Encourage your children to join sports and take time to play with them. Children have a lot of energy, and they need to exercise those muscles so that they grow strong. As an adult, you need about half an hour of exercise everyday. If you can spend this half hour playing and running around with your kids, then it’s hitting two birds with one stone. It’s also a great way to bond with your kids. Most children whose parents played with them and spent time with them regularly are less likely to become problem teens. So take up a sport with your kids to ensure that their bodies stay fit, and ensuring a great relationship between the two of you.

Develop Their Brain Power

Get your children to read books, do puzzles, play chess, and other brain boosting activities. These can be after dinner activities for your kids. Exercising their brains is just as important as exercising their bodies and the development of the brain promotes health. So make these activities frequent.

Eat Within Limits

Last but not least, monitor what you’re kids are eating. The quality and quantity of food that your child takes in is very important. Follow the recommended serving sizes for foods, and make sure that the five food groups are well represented in your child’s diet. Making sure they eat healthy is one of the best ways to make sure your child is healthy. Plus, if you can encourage a healthy eating habit, and get them to carry this on till they’re teens and young adults, then you have significantly decreased your child’s risk of getting a multitude of diseases!

Kid healthy habits can be tricky to develop, but any dedicated parent can find it easy once they set the steps in motion. Get your kids on healthy habits today, you’ll never regret it!

We understand the challenge of raising children, and how parents worry after their well being. For more information on how you can make sure you kids stay healthy, especially on how they can develop healthy eating habits, visit Healthy Eating for Children now!