Why is exercise important?

Increased physical activity has been associated with an increased life expectancy and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.  Physical activity produces overall physical, psychological and social benefits.  Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults.  And physical activity helps with:

• controlling weight
• reducing blood pressure
• raising HDL ("good")cholesterol
• reducing the risk of diabetes and some kinds of cancer
• improved psychological well-being, including gaining more self-confidence and higher self-esteem

Keeping kids active

Children have a natural love of playing hard, but without encouragement, they may opt to sit around watching television or playing video games.  Here are some ways to keep your kids active.

Set a good example

If you want an active child, be active yourself.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator and park the car farther away from stores.  Never make exercise seem a punishment or a chore.  Find fun activities that the whole family can do together, such as:

• Swimming
• Nature hikes
• Cycling
• Canoeing
• Walks with the family dog
• Tennis
• Snorkeling
• Ice skating
• Soccer
• Running
• In-line skating
• Basketball

Promote activity, not exercise

Children don't have to be in sports or take dance classes to be active. Many non-competitive activities are available for a child who isn't interested in organized sports.  The key is to find things that your child likes to do.  For instance, if your child is artistically inclined, go on a nature hike to collect leaves and rocks that your child can use to make a collage.  If your child likes to climb, head for the nearest neighborhood jungle gym or climbing wall.  If your child likes to read, then walk or bike to the neighborhood library for a book.

Start Young

Remember your energetic toddler?  Direct that energy into a lifelong love of physical activity.  For instance, have your child show you how bunnies hop, eagles fly or dogs wag their tails.

Some other suggestions for keeping kids interested:

• Play games your elementary school child loves, like tag, cops & robbers, Simon says, and red light, green light.  If you don't remember the rules for these games, make up your own or walk to your local library and check out a book on games.
• Let your toddlers and preschoolers see how much fun you can have while being active.  Don't just run with them.  Run like a gorilla.  Walk like a spider.  Hop like a bunny. Stretch like a cat.
• Plan your family vacations around physical activities -- biking, skiing, camping, snorkeling, swimming or hiking.  Take along a ball or Frisbee to sneak in some activities at rest stops.
• Make chores a family affair. Who can pull the most weeds out of the vegetable garden? Who can pick up the most trash in the park?  Shovel the snow off the driveway and use the snow to build a snowman or a snow fort.
• Vary the activities.  Let each child take a turn choosing the activist of the day or week.  Batting cages, bowling and fast-food play areas all count.  What matters most is that you are doing activities as a family.