Exercise Programs for Kids

Are you looking for an exercise program for your kids?  What kind of program are you looking for?  What are your goals? 

I’m sure you often ask yourself these questions and many more.  It can sometimes be difficult finding the perfect exercise program for your kids.  Don’t sweat it!

There is no reason to stress over finding the perfect exercise program.  Make it as fun as possible or your kids might resist the “perfect” program.

In fact, you can have fun for a low cost by conducting your own exercise program.  You can craft an agenda for your kids and use it at home, at the park, the ball field and many other free places.

You can use typical household items as your supplies and you honestly won’t have to spend very much money at all.  You don’t need expensive exercise equipment!

You need ideas, don’t you!  Check out our kids exercise articles, email us, leave comments on this blog and give us your ideas too.  Exercise programs for kids can be fun and low-cost.  Try it out this week!

Kids Exercise – Mom and Dad are the Best Motivators

When it comes to kids exercise and nutrition, you as the parent play a huge role.  You’re not just a teacher or a fitness expert.  Your kids look to you for much more.  They look up to you as far as how to talk, dress, behave, eat and exercise.  If they see that you don’t exercise, the chances are they won’t either.  If they see you eating chips, they are more likely to follow your lead. 

Begin by setting a good example.  Instead of spending hours in front of the TV or just plain sitting down for long periods of time, find an activity that will keep you moving.  Try biking or playing a fun game outdoors or if it’s too cold there are plenty of kids indoor exercises you can participate in.  Check out some of our past blog entries for ideas.

Remember to always encourage your kids during exercise.  Relay to them the positive aspects of kids exercise.  What better way to have family time! 

Need more motivation?  Read our full kids exercise articles.

How Kids Exercises Battle Obesity

High intensity, sustained kids exercises are more effective at keeping kids fit than low-intensity exercises.

A study of around 800 kids, ages nine and 10, took note of their activity levels over a four-day period.  They found that kids who participated in vigorous kids exercises for more than 40 minutes each day had less body fat and better cardiovascular fitness than those who only exercised 10-18 minutes per day.

This study makes sense.  Work harder and you’ll see better results.  This means that taking a walk every now and then isn’t the type of intensity needed to stay fit. 

Here’s what you can do …

Sit down with your kids and talk to them about healthy nutrition and kids exercises and explain to them why it is important.  Together you can map out a healthy meal plan for them. 

We have written several articles on kids exercises, so feel free to check those out.  We provide ideas and even sample exercises for you to try with your kids.

Exercise with Limited TV Time Keeps Kids in Shape

Kids who participate in regular exercise and limit time in front of the television are much less likely to be overweight than their peers.

This information comes from The American Academy of Pediatrics that recommends children limit TV and video games in favor of more regular exercise.  It is suggested that children and teenagers get at least one hour of exercise every day or at least most days of the week.

Are you having a hard time getting your kids away from television and video games?  Are they thinkers and creative types?  You aren’t the only one experiencing this. 

Are you hurting for exercise ideas?  Let me be the first to tell you that you can succeed in this area of parenting.  Your kids love you and would gladly follow your lead.  Give it a try.  Find out about kids exercise ideas and other kids indoor activities.

Source: Reuters

Nutrition for Children

Nutrition for children is a very important subject for parents.  There have been many stories lately of child obesity, the lack of children’s exercise and the unhealthy sugary foods advertised on television directly marketed towards your kids.

Let’s get to the basics concerning nutrition for children:

• Try feeding your kids 3 regular-sized, high-quality meals per day
• Give your kids 2 to 3 healthy snacks per day in-between the 3 main meals

When we say “healthy snacks” I don’t mean animal crackers, fruit roll-ups or anything processed.  Instead, feed them fruits, nuts, salads and whole grain foods.

Of course, remember that kids’ appetites and nutritional needs will be different depending on age, size and energy levels.  Keep that in mind when it comes to portions.

Want to learn more about nutrition for children or kids home exercise?  Visit our site and even receive our free report, “10 FREE Kids Exercises and Diet Secrets!”

Source: organix.com

Kids Indoor Activities

Having kids is such a joy!  The opportunity to spend time with them and mentor them throughout childhood is wonderful.  The day can occasionally get boring, though.  Sometimes you just run out of interesting kids indoor activities.

We have discovered lots of neat activities that are very beneficial for a healthy body and mind.  Here is what we found out about kids indoor activities:

• Improves gross motor skills
• Strengthens their upper and lower body muscles
• Allows for creative time
• Helps to shed unhealthy pounds
• Teaches balance, rhythm, self control and how to listen to instructions
• Promotes family time
• No expensive equipment required

Do you see what I mean?  I’m not saying that you should do these every day, although it wouldn’t hurt, but you could have a “parents’ playbook” that you turn to in a pinch if the day becomes a little long.

Here is a sample “play” that we came up with.  Try it out!

Ball Toss

You will need a soft ball or beanbag and an empty trashcan.  Place the trashcan a close distance from the child.

Show her how to toss the ball or beanbag into the trashcan.  Then let her try.  Encourage her to toss the object with one hand, either over or under hand.  But if she’d rather use both hands, that’s perfectly fine.  Otherwise she may become confused or frustrated.

To get extra creative you can make a beanbag from scratch!

Learn about other kids indoor activities.

Kids Home Exercise Is Fun!

Are you searching for kids home exercise ideas?  You aren’t the only one!  Most of the time when you inquire about kids exercise you’ll mostly receive ideas only for outdoor activities.

You’ll often hear a parent say, “Ah, just send your kids outdoors and let them play in the yard.”  They’ll say that as they sit in front of the television eating chips. 

There is hope.  There are kids home exercise activities that are a lot of fun for kids and parents alike.

What’s really fun is that you can spend quality time together as a family and get creative with the exercises.  We shared with you earlier a kids home exercise called “Scoop Ball.”  You and your kids can sit down and create the items necessary to perform the indoor exercise. 

Benefits of kids home exercise

• Opportunity for creativity
• Hand-eye coordination
• Athleticism
• Family time

Do you need a complete list of fun kids home exercises with instructions?  Come on over!

How To Exercise With Your Kids, Part 4

Specific Feedback

We talked earlier about positive reinforcement and how you can help raise your child’s self-confidence.  The final edition in how to exercise with your kids is specific feedback and positive communication.

As you give positive reinforcement, also provide specific feedback.  Tell them why they did an exercise well.  Give them specific reasons as to how it can be done better in the future if that’s the case. 

Ask them questions to get a better feel for which exercises they really like.  You aren’t looking for just a yes or no answer.  Try and find out why they like or dislike something.  This will help you customize the exercises and activities to fit their personality or style.

Always remember to be enthusiastic and positive.

Let us know how you are doing.  Leave your comments here.

Need some specific ideas on how to exercise with your kids?  Look no further.

How To Exercise With Your Kids, Part 3

Adult Supervision

In our third series on how to exercise with your kids we will touch on the importance of always having adult supervision.  It would be beneficial if you participate with your kids during fun exercise time, but you must supervise them during exercise for several reasons.

Many children lack self confidence when it comes to exercise abilities, so it is essential they have a parent with them the whole time showing them exactly how to perform the exercise as well as encouraging them until completion.

Assisting your kids manually will help guide them to a successful exercise experience.  An example would be physically helping your child to toss or roll a ball towards a certain object.  After practicing with them several times over several days or weeks, your child will begin doing it on their own.

One exercise at a time is something we recommend.  Try not to confuse your kids with several difficult exercises in one sitting.  This is especially true for younger kids.  This will enable them to progress successfully through the exercise session at hand.

Related:

• Need some ideas on how to exercise with your kids?
• 10 Free kids exercises and diet secrets
• Exercise chart for kids