There are some very scary statistics about children and fitness these days. For example, only one in three of all children in the country is physically active on a daily basis. And we all know about the worrying trend towards obesity in kids, which is a ticking time bomb when it comes to issues like the cost of healthcare in the future, and an increase in conditions like diabetes.

Keeping yourself fit is one thing, but it can be difficult to help your kids do the same. But, it’s never been more important to encourage your kids to embrace physical activity as it is today. And in today’s guide, we’re going to take a look at some of the things parents can do to try and encourage a more active lifestyle for their kids.

Be outdoorsy

As a rule, families that spend more time together outside tend to be more active. So make going out for walks or bike rides a regular occurrence. It’s simple, cheap, and you can have a lot of fun exploring your local countryside and finding new places to climb trees – or even go wild water swimming, assuming the kids can swim, of course.

Introduce them to team sport

As your children get older, there will be loads of opportunities to join sports teams. And it will guarantee them a good workout at least a couple of times a week – and who knows? Perhaps your child has a natural talent, and you end up rewarding him or her with trophies for football players or cups for winning tennis tournaments. There are plenty more benefits with team sports, too. There is a significant social advantage, and your children will meet loads of people from different schools and areas. Team sports also helps them begin to understand the importance of discipline, commitment, and teamwork, of course. Amber has inherited mine and her dad’s love of rugby, as you can see from the picture below.

Make it fun

Team sports aren’t for everyone, but there will be a sport out there that your child will love. It’s just a question of finding out what it is – perhaps they like something more solitary like tennis, or maybe they would like the physical skills of a martial art? Dancing classes are also perfect for boys and girls alike, and it’s something they can bring home with them and practice wherever they are, too. Amber started baby ballet when she was only 18 months old. Ultimately, the more fun your children has, the more likely they will carry on with their fave hobby for many years to come.

Buy active toys

It’s a good idea to limit TV and computer use, but you should also allow your kids the opportunity to leap around your front room with the many physically active games you can buy for the Wii, PlayStation or box. The dancing games are usually quite fun, and there are also some super sporty titles that include sports like boxing, running, and swimming. No, it doesn’t beat the real thing, but when the kids are getting hyper on a rainy day, it’s an excellent way to ensure they are still getting some exercise.

How do you encourage your child to be more active? Why not let everyone know in the comments section below?

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