Exercise and Your Child: You Can Teach Your Child to Be More Physically Active by:Kevin Lynch

One of the major concerns in our culture is the rapidly rising weight of our nation's children

. For many, the problem has far surpassed the idea of being "cute and chubby" and has moved on to being morbidly obese. One only needs to look at the proliferation of fast food restaurants and other nutritionally empty foods that have become popular in recent years in order to realize their detriment to our children. With the busy lifestyles that parents lead, it is often easier to "stop and get something" rather than to come home and prepare a nutritionally well-balanced meal for the family.

Lack of exercise among the childhood population has to be blamed for the brunt of the obesity issue. Although there are safety precautions to consider when letting your child go outside to play, there are measures a concerned parent can take to provide exercise for their child. Rather than letting your child sit on the couch with a remote in their hand, concerned parents find school-sponsored activities and other avenues that their child can take that will incorporate activity into their lifestyle. Although healthier eating and an active lifestyle take up more of a parent's time, the health benefits that you child reaps will be well worth it.

There are several things that parents can do to encourage their children to become more active. The best way to encourage children to exercise is to be an example. Even when your children are babies, they should see you exercising, making physical activity an important part of your life. As they grow up seeing you enjoying being active, they will learn that exercise and physical activity is fun and an important part of your life.

Make exercise fun for your family. Think of things you can do together that encourage your children to get up and start moving! Install a basketball hoop in your driveway, and spend time shooting hoops with your kids. If your kids enjoy riding bikes, get yourself on your bike and take a ride as a family. If your child enjoys martial arts, then enroll him or her and a karate class. The key is to find something that inspires your child and encourage them to pursue that activity.

Another way to get your child moving even if the weather outside is not conducive to outside activities is through exercise videos. Find an exercise video or DVD that is aimed at children, and do the routine with your children. Not only will your children be healthier, but you just might loose a few pounds as well! Again, keep it fun! Laugh at the mistakes that you make, and stay upbeat!

Not all children have the ability to be athletic. If you child does not have an affection toward any sport, do not force them into playing sports. Sports are not the important factor when teaching your child about exercise. The importance of finding fun and enjoyable activities that your child will look forward to doing should be a parent's main focus to reduce the child's inactive habits. Helping them to see that exercise is not a mundane, boring part of life but rather a fun and exciting idea will help ensure that your child will take these ideas with them as they grow into healthy adults.

About the author

Kevin Lynch makes it easy to understand the importance of your childs. with practical real world parental advice on a wide range of topics. to recieve a free newsletter visit: http://www.childrenshealth.the4thline.com

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