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Fit for life!


You come home from work and your kids are parked in front of the television, binge-watching their favourite shows. The only activity they’ve gotten is walking from the living room to the kitchen for snack breaks. 


Sound familiar? 


With so many electronic devices and entertainment at hand, kids are spoilt for choice and thanks to Covid, have grown accustomed to staying indoors, now more than ever. 


Potential problem alert: children need to be active and in fact, their growth and development (both mental and physical) depends a lot on being fit.

 

Why kids need exercise


Think about your current mindset on exercise, activity and fitness. Do you like it, love it, or loathe going to the gym, taking a walk or just moving around, in general? 


Your existing attitude towards fitness may have a lot to do with your own childhood exposure to exercise. 


Children of all ages require daily exercise to build strong and healthy bones, develop muscle strength, keep weight at a healthy level and combat later-in-life potential diseases and health conditions. Improved balance, posture, concentration, and thinking skills are all happy by-products of daily exercise.


And on a simply “fun” level, play helps children to interact with their peers, boost imagination, and learn how to coexist within team sports. 

 

Daily activity: loading


Think of daily exercise for your child as important as evolving their reading and writing skills. That is, make it a priority in their overall childhood development.


By the way, this daily exercise doesn’t have to be stringent. The focus is on activity. Here are a few easy-peasy ways to make fitness fun and practical. 

 

Make it a game


If you see your child stationary on the sofa for hours, challenge them to a game of moving around at least every 30 minutes. Sitting for long periods is super unhealthy for kids (and adults!). Encourage your child to walk around the house, take a short stroll in the garden or do jumping jacks while watching TV. 

 

Start a vegetable garden


Skip the usual toys for your child’s next birthday and get them some seeds and little planters instead so they can start their own little veggie patch (if you have the garden space). Tending to a garden is a fantastic way to inspire green fingers and ensure they’re active every day. Plus, you get some fresh veggies for dinner. Yum.

 

Create a family tradition


The key: it must involve exercise. It could be a simple walk every day after dinner. It could be a weekly family sports day. Perhaps a regular dance party right there in your own home. Join local walking clubs, sign up for outdoor events – anything that gets you ALL moving.

 

Keep moving


Set a great example by staying fit yourself. Park further away at the shopping mall to encourage getting in more steps. When loadshedding hits, don’t hang around indoors, wasting time and good energy. Get the family together for a quick walk around the block. We have so many daily opportunities – use them wisely and show your child the benefits of regular exercise.

 

Good to know


As girls enter their preteens and teens, exposure to eating disorders and disordered body image could become a problem. Get ahead of the potential issues by teaching your daughter healthy body ideals and keeping the focus of fitness on overall health (not about being “thin”). 

References:

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.