Childhood obesity is rising as budgets for school exercise programs are shrinking. Eating large amounts of fast food combined with getting little exercise is putting children at risk for obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Concerned parents can help their children exercise by setting aside time each day for fun activities. The Mayo Clinic states that one of the best strategies for curbing childhood obesity involves engaging the entire family in healthier habits. Set a good example by eating healthy and replacing television watching with activities like hiking and biking.
Running
Kids naturally love to run and play, and many communities have acknowledged that fact by holding special kids' races in connection with adult races. Many major marathons, like the ING Miami Marathon, allow children to run the final mile of the race and receive a special finisher's medal. Older children can participate in 3.1-mile, or 5K, family races, usually held around holidays like Thanksgiving and Memorial Day.
Martial Arts
The martial arts include karate, judo, kickboxing, tae kwan do and tai chi. While some disciplines are more physical than others, all martial arts forms teach discipline and self-defense while incorporating high-energy fat-burning exercises. When looking for a good martial arts studio for your child, go by word of mouth, and ask to watch a class or two before enrolling your child.
Bicycling
Instead of going to a movie this weekend, take the family for a bike ride through the park. Bicycling is a wonderful family activity that provides great fat-burning and cardiovascular benefits for everyone. Pack a healthy lunch for a picnic, and make a day of it. When bicycling, always have your child wear a helmet to teach them bicycle safety, and impart the rules of the road if venturing out into the street.
Swimming
Swimming is an ideal exercise that offers a strenuous aerobic workout with strength- and muscle-building benefits. Always make sure your child swims with supervision, and let your child get comfortable in pools and ponds before allowing him to swim in the ocean. Local Young Men's Christian Associations, or YMCAs, usually have low- or no-cost swimming lessons for children.
Dancing
Professional dancers have lean, strong bodies because dance is a strenuous total-body workout that builds lean muscle while burning fat and increasing cardiovascular health. Enroll your child in a dance class that she is interested in. Classes offered for children include classical ballet, jazz and hip-hop.
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