Television, computers and video games are fun and entertaining, but require little physical exertion from your child. It is important to teach kids that the need to be physically active and that exercise, combined with a healthy diet, helps them maintain their proper weight and lowers their risk of developing chronic health issues as adults. There are a variety of easy and fun exercises that kids can do everyday that will keep them fit and healthy.
Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks are a fun and easy aerobic exercise that gets kids moving and raises their heart rate. Have your child stand with his feet together, arms at his sides. Tell him to jump and spread his feet a little farther than shoulder-width apart as he raises his arms above his head and claps his hands. Have him bring his arms back to his sides as he jumps again to bring his feet back together. Make sure he keeps the motion steady and constant. Start out doing 10 jumping jacks; add more as your child's stamina builds.
Dancing
Dancing is an aerobic activity that burns calories, raises the heart rate and increases flexibility. Best of all, dancing is fun, so your kids will have a great time while they are getting their workout. It's not necessary that they know any dance steps; in fact, it may be more fun for them if they create their own. Make sure that they are in an area where they have a lot of room to move and then put on their favorite songs and let them dance. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of dance time each day.
Deep Knee Bends
Kids can strengthen their legs and improve their endurance by doing deep knee bends. Start the exercise by having your child stand up straight, arms at her side, feet slightly apart. Have your child raise her arms in front of her as she bends her knees and lowers her body to a squatting pose and then returns to the start position. Make sure her knees don't extend past the toes. If your child has trouble maintaining her balance, have her stand behind a chair and hold onto the back as she does the exercise. Start out doing 10 deep knee bends; add more as the exercise becomes easier.
Side Bends
Side bends are an easy exercise for kids that helps loosen upper body muscles and strengthens their core. Your child should stand with his feet shoulder-width apart, with his right arm over his head and his left hand on his left hip. Instruct your child to slowly bend to the left side as far as he can. Let him hold the pose for one second before returning to the starting position. He can either do 10 side bends on each side, or he can alternate and do one on the left and then one on the right until he does 10 side bends on each side.
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