Getting Kids to Exercise

One of the culprits responsible for the increase in the number of overweight youngsters is a lack of exercise. Here are some tips from fitness expert Dr. Kenneth Cooper and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education on how to get your children moving.

• Offer rewards for exercising, such as tokens they can save to attend a sporting event or theme park.- Have a “toy run” by hiding small, inexpensive toys along a neighborhood route. Walk or run with your child to pick up the prizes.
• Watch events on TV or movies with a sports theme, such as “The Karate Kid: or “The Rookie,” and then try to engage the kids in such an activity.
• Walk or ride a bike with your kids while doing errands.
• Plan birthday parties around a sports theme, such as bowling, miniature golf, or skating.