It's important to show girls the benefits of regular exercise while they're still young. In addition to getting into shape, exercise offers the added advantage of social opportunities and building self-esteem. Whether they take up ballet, softball or yoga, however, young girls need to see that exercise can be fun and enjoyable so they'll stick with it into adulthood.
Team Sports
For 'tweens and younger girls, having a friend or two along makes all the difference when choosing an activity. Girls can benefit from team sports like softball, which offers cardiovascular exercise and improved hand-eye coordination. For girls with lots of energy, try basketball or soccer -- the constant movement burns calories and builds muscle. Cheerleading is also an option. It focuses on form, precision, strength and teamwork and is an excellent way for young girls to work on balance and coordination.
Dance
Young girls often admire the beauty and gracefulness of professional dancers. Perfectionist girls may enjoy ballet or tap-dancing, where absolute precision is emphasized. For more laid-back girls, try a modern jazz or hip-hop dance class. For girls who want something a little different, try waltzing or ballroom-dancing lessons. The easiest and cheapest way to get young girls to have fun dancing, however, is to crank up the music and let them move to the beat however they like.
Competitions
Bring out young girls' competitive streak with exercise-focused contests. Give girls a pedometer and challenge them to take 5,000 steps per day. Have them participate in community-sponsored athletic events, such as a mini-Olympics. Get older brothers to play them in a game of basketball. Even a family game of "Dance Dance Revolution" can get everyone sweating and trying to outdo one another. The more competitive a girl is, the harder she will work -- and the more calories she will burn -- to prove that she can do it.
Solo Exercises
Young girls who prefer to exercise alone may find enjoyment in aerobics. Buy aerobics DVDs or tune to your cable company's on-demand guide for free aerobics led by professional instructors. Or, try walking. Measure your block and have her make enough laps to equal a mile. She'll experience a sense of accomplishment from completing a workout all by herself. For young girls who need a little extra relaxation, go with yoga. It aids in flexibility, strength and overall well-being and can be done at home with a DVD.
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