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Child's Play
Combining Fitness and Fun
By Donna Smith
How many parents do you know that would get their kids a membership to a gym? Probably not many, because kids have found an incredibly simple, inexpensive and fun way to get a workout – through play!
"Most children get all the exercise they need during their daily activities," says Catherine Cram, M.S., fitness expert and exercise physiologist. According to Cram, a child's exercise level should be of concern is if the child is developing an obesity problem. "For most overweight children, the issue is two-fold, and diet and activity levels need to be assessed," she says.
But be careful not to be too rigid about exercise. "Creating structured exercise for young children can create negative feelings toward fitness," says Cram. "The best objective is to encourage free play for your child and limit time spent in front of the television or computer."
To keep kids away from the TV and off the couch, encourage games to get kids moving – and set a positive example by joining in. What sounds like more fun: 30 minutes walking on a treadmill or 30 minutes playing and laughing with your children? Here are some ideas to get you started.
What child doesn't love this timeless game? Have your child follow you around the house or yard. March, jog, skip, hop and dance! Younger children can crawl under tables and jump over small obstacles. Older children can follow the leader across monkey bars, up and down the slide and up the stairs. If indoors, put on some music and add fun dance steps on your journey around the house.
Kids play this game all the time and don't even realize the workout they're getting. Hopscotch not only works kids' leg muscles, but also improves balance and motor skills. Use sidewalk chalk and make game areas on the driveway or sidewalk. For indoor play, use the tile patterns on your kitchen floor or items such as colorful Hawaiian leis or yarn to make a safe indoor hopscotch area. Be sure to do this in a carpeted room so children will not slip.
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