Okay kids, time for your WORKOUT!

When most of us adults think of a “workout” we think of the gym, or a long 5 mile run, or even weight lifting. But for kids, a workout does not need to be structured or formal--in fact the best way to describe a childhood “workout” is just being ACTIVE and moving their bodies.

Let’s face it, our society doesn’t make it easy to have fit kids. Fast food surrounds us, soda is readily available everywhere, our schools don’t offer much time in the way of Physical Education, and when they are in school, they are sitting at desks much of the day.

There are several benefits to having active kids. Children who are physically active will:
* have stronger bones and muscles
* have a lower body fat percentage
* decrease risk of obesity as children and in the future
* decrease risk of health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
* have a better attitude and confidence in their abilities to cope with physical, emotional, and social stresses
* start good habits for healthy lifestyles now which will stay with them as they grow

With school, music lessons, homework, etc, it is sometimes hard to find structured time for your kids to exercise. The truth is, they don’t need much, but the key is to incorporate the activity into your normal day. Toddlers and preschoolers need about 1.5-2 hours of activity a day. School age children need at least one hour. Here are some ideas to keeping your kids active and healthy--

1. Enroll them in classes or organized sports that they enjoy. Many community recreation centers offer cheap, or sometimes even free classes for children. Most communities have several leagues throughout the year that are easy to get involved in.
2. Use your yard or sidewalk!! Run around with your kids chasing a ball, throwing a Frisbee or football, or set up a mock game of soccer. It is amazing how much exercise children get when they are out “just playing”.
3. Take your kids swimming at a local rec. center pool. Swimming (or enrolling in swim lessons) not only teaches them a valuable safety skill, but it is an excellent cardiovascular workout and kids have fun in water.
4. One those cold winter days, use your stairs!! We play many stair games in our house which require the kids to go up and down several times. You have to get creative, but the stairs are a great ‘prop’ when it comes to games that get your kids active. (you should see how much they sweat going up and down those stairs!)
5. For kids who aren’t “athletic” find other activities they may enjoy--dance, gymnastics, take a walk to collect leaves, go on a nature hike, go on a bike ride, or skip down to the mailbox everyday to get the mail.

The human body is meant to move and be active! Our bodies are healthier, our minds clearer and our hearts are happier when we exercise and stay physically active--our children are the same! They need the physical activity just as much, if not more than adults do. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a structured event or a solid hour of straight activity--keep it fun and do little things throughout the day to promote physical activity.

So turn off your TV this afternoon and GO PLAY!!!