Help your kids get more physical activity - Move Your Way (2024)

FAQs

How can I encourage my child to do more physical activity? ›

Encouraging lots of safe and unstructured movement and play can help build a strong foundation for an active lifestyle. Set a positive example by leading an active lifestyle yourself. Make physical activity part of your family's daily routine by taking family walks or playing active games together.

After all, kids today would rather socialize online than outdoors. But the reasons some kids miss out on exercise go beyond screen time (which is a big factor, of course). Stress, fear of embarrassment, personality type—all these things can keep a child from stretching his legs or flexing her muscles.

Simple movement activities planned and led by the child care provider are a good way to ensure that children get the recommended 60 minutes of structured physical activity each day. Active games do not need to be complicated. Try a “freeze” dance, a jumping activity, or a simple follow-the-leader game.

The best way to begin increasing your family's physical activity is to schedule time for it. Start by identifying at least three 30-minute time slots this week for activities like taking a walk, playing sports or doing active chores. Choose times of the day or week when everyone is most likely to stick to the schedule.

Increase physical activity during leisure time

Walk, jog, skate, or cycle. Swim or do water aerobics. Take a class in martial arts, dance, or yoga. Golf (pull cart or carry clubs).

Ways to do this include: being active yourself – your child will notice and be more likely to follow your lead. giving your child praise and encouragement for participating in physical activity. making time to have fun playing actively with your child – it's great to find something you both enjoy doing.

Aerobic activity: Most of the daily 60 minutes should include activities like walking, running, or anything that makes their hearts beat faster. At least 3 days a week should include vigorous-intensity activities. Muscle-strengthening: Includes activities like climbing or doing push-ups, at least 3 days per week.

For children who don't participate in team sports, Mansour recommended they explore other activities like swimming or hiking with an adult. Parents can also offer children a variety of exercising options so the child can try them out and select their favorite, she said.

Children become less active between age 5 and 11.

Common obstacles to children's physical activity include time sitting still, space for play, busy schedules and screen time. With a few adjustments, you might be able to make more time and opportunities for physical activity.

How do I keep my child fit and healthy? ›

Most of the physical activity should be aerobic, where kids use large muscles and continue for a period of time. Examples of aerobic activity are running, swimming, and dancing. School-age kids usually have brief bouts of moderate to strong physical activity alternating with light activity or rest throughout the day.

Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as: Heart disease.

The series includes six lessons that cover background information for childhood obesity prevention and the five best practice goals: increasing physical activity, limiting screen time, offering healthy beverages, serving healthy food, and supporting breastfeeding.

Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as: Heart disease. Cancer.