An entertaining aspect to exercise makes it more appealing to reluctant children. A physically active lifestyle is a key component to losing weight and preventing childhood obesity. The health risks associated with obesity include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma and self-esteem problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Get the entire family involved in physical activity for a healthier lifestyle.
Jump Rope Games
A jump rope is an inexpensive piece of equipment to get your child's heart rate up. A single, child-sized rope works best when your child is learning to jump rope. Once she gets the hang of it, try a longer rope with two people twirling it for her. Jump rope contests to see who can jump the longest add a friendly competition to the exercise. A jump rope also works well for games beyond traditional jumping. For younger kids who can't jump regularly, place the rope on the ground and let them jump back and forth over it. Raise it off the ground a few inches to increase the challenge. Another game uses a long jump rope with one person at each end. Those people hold the rope and shake it gently along the floor to make it wiggle. Other players jump over the wiggling rope without touching it. Gradually shake the rope harder to make the ripples larger and wider so the other players have to jump further.
Dancing
Music sets the stage for this calorie-burning exercise for kids. Turn on music that has a fast beat to get your child really moving. Frequent song changes keep the kids interested longer. Encourage the kids to get their entire bodies involved in the dance moves for a total workout. For variety, play freeze dance. After a few minutes, turn off the music and tell the kids to freeze. When the music resumes, so does the dancing.
Pool Play
Swimming works your child's body in a low-impact way, reducing the chances of injury. Sign your child up for swimming lessons to teach him water safety and to strengthen his swimming skills. Your child doesn't have to swim laps to burn calories in the pool. Splashing and playing in the pool with friends is also a form of physical activity. The water provides resistance, making the kids work harder to trudge through it. Have your child hold onto the edge of the pool and kick his feet for a workout. Water basketball or volleyball also helps increase the heart rate.
Playground Activities
A playground offers a wide space full of physical activity opportunities. Running and climbing are two ways to burn calories for weight loss. Impromptu games of tag, soccer and hide-and-seek add to the exercise opportunity at the park. As an added bonus, kids get play time with friends to boost their mood for an overall feeling of wellness.
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