Fitness for Kids

Posted on 11-Aug-2006 at 06:27

I've always believed that little kids would just take care of their own physical fitness needs.  After all, they are constantly on the go, right?  However, I've learned over the past few months that my assumption was incorrect.  With the elimination of recess in so many public school districts, and a growing number of families choosing to homeschool (eliminating a formal physical education class, in many cases, like I made the mistake of doing!), it's vital for us parents to figure out ways to get the whole family up and moving without blowing major bucks on Little League and ballet lessons. 

While those formal education and sports options are helpful, it turns out it's actually pretty easy to get kids moving in fun ways.  You never know...you might enjoy them too!

Here are some ideas for inspiring movement in your home:

• Yoga:  We love the poses taught in A Yoga Parade of Animals, and my Little also really enjoys following along with the instructor and kids in the YogaKids videos.
• Soccer:  Turns out there are actually three regulation sizes and weights for soccer balls for kids.  Who knew?  Not me, until I hit Target recently and picked up a soccer ball for The Little after The Man mentioned he'd teach her to play if only we had one.  Come to find out they don't have to be plain ol' black and white either.  We are now the proud owners of a sparkly magenta soccer ball, regulation size 3, courtesy of The Little's taste in colors.
• Swimming:  Many high schools and YMCAs offer family swim and lap swim, and frankly, there's not much else I can think of where you can exercise and not feel sweaty.  (That would be my favorite part.)  Kids also enjoy sprinkler runs, and during these dog days of summer, you can water the lawn and get some exercise at the same time.
• Schoolyard games:  What ever happened to hopscotch and jump rope?  They haven't disappeared at my house, that's for sure.  Grab some sidewalk chalk and make a huge hopscotch area, or several of them if you have a large family.  Let the kids challenge each other!  Grab a couple of inexpensive jump ropes, one for each family member, and team up...pair an older child with a younger one, or an adult with each little one, and see who can jump the longest as a team.  (That will keep the smallest ones from getting hurt feelings when they can't jump as long, and it will get Mom and Dad's heart rates up too!)
• Walking/hiking:  Don't forget the old standby...walking.  Hit the stairs if there's less than four floors to get to the office or the doctor's office.  Walk to the mailbox, or visit zoos and wildlife parks where you can walk as slowly or quickly as preferred.