Good News Tucson - A Family Values Publication

Mission: Kid Fit

by Vera Knight

The obesity epidemic in this country is serious. Heart disease, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and more are affecting not only adults but our children as well. Inactivity is one major contributing factor, but it doesn't have to be a fact of life. You can make a difference. Set a good example, be a role model, do the right things and your kids will, too.

Family exercising can be lots of fun. Get off the couch and take a walk, ride a bike, or play tag with your kids. Get them moving early and often, and chances are they will remain active for life.

Children who are fit have fewer chronic health problems than kids who are sedentary. They're better able to meet the demands of the day. They have a stronger self-image, more self-confidence, do better in school and they are less likely to get involved in drugs and alcohol.

Kids are not mini adults. For young children, exercise is about free play, running, jumping, exploring. Older kids can participate in more complex skills. One question we get asked all the time is how to help kids build strength and endurance. Push-ups and pull-ups are an excellent way to build upper-body strength. Jungle gyms and monkey bars are great for kids because they use their own body weight. And they're fun. Be sure to encourage stretching with your kids as a part of your fitness activities.

This is a chance for the family to be together, to have fun and good times. Avoid competition, discipline and embarrassment. Talk about how good you feel to live an active lifestyle.

It's really up to you to show kids that being active is fun. Take them hiking, biking, swimming, swinging, in-line skating, sledding. Skip rope, dance around, or throw a ball with them. Plan regular outings that involve walking, like a visit to the zoo, the park, or even a walk through the mall. There are lots of ways to instill the love of fitness and help your kids grow up to be healthy, happy teens and adults.

Vera Knight is the owner of Focus Fitness Personal Training Studio. www.focusfitnesstucson.com or
call 520-404-2069.