According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, between 16 and 33 percent of children and teens are obese. The lack of exercise and poor diets that lead to obesity cause nearly 300,000 deaths annually. Following a complete medical exam, children can be put on diets and encouraged to exercise to lose weight. Self-motivation is key to maintaining proper weight loss. Finding exercise equipment and activities that obese children can use and enjoy can help to promote their involvement in their own good health.
Bicycle
A bicycle is one of the best pieces of exercise equipment you can get for your child. He can use it for transportation, on family bike riding outings and for fun in the neighborhood. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, children's bodies are not ready for adult-style exercise equipment such as stationary bikes and treadmills. Instead, exercise should incorporate fun activities for at least one hour per day. Obese children who have been sedentary can start by taking five- or 10-minute bike rides and work up to 60 minutes. Several shorter bike rides throughout the day that total one hour work just as well as one hour of continuous riding. Bikes with large seats can accommodate children of any size.
Resistance Machines
Child-sized resistance machines are available in many gyms and local fitness centers. The American College of Sports Medicine reports that progressive resistance training in obese children can help to drastically improve body composition and reduce body mass index. Cable and pulley weight machines, free weights and equipment that supports body weight resistance should be included in a comprehensive healthy workout program for children as young as 7 years old. Strength training programs for children must be strictly supervised. Children must learn proper form to prevent injuries. Additionally, children should never be involved in competitive or power lifting programs. Machines that include the leg press, overhead press, seated rowing, leg curls and chest press help children build lean muscle mass that helps to burn excess fat while allowing children to be able to participate in even more activities as they trim down.
Interactive Video Games
Rather than fight children in their desires to play video games instead of going outside to play, parents now can purchase exercise equipment in the guise of video games. Games such as the Nintendo Wii offer a multitude of options that require children to be active. Bowling, baseball and tennis all require children to get up and play the sport while holding game controllers. Children can get exercise and work up a sweat without even thinking about exercise programs. According to Nintendo, Wii games are being incorporated in YMCAs nationwide and are being used in retirement homes to help inactive seniors get up and move. Interactive video games can be particularly useful for obese children unaccustomed to moving. They can get them started on a path that will eventually take them outdoors, into sports and participating in more active challenges.
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