Are your children getting the amount of exercise they need to stay healthy? Exercise is key to your children’s health.  If your children are not exercising on a regular basis you need to take steps to remedy the situation.  Why should your children exercise regularly?

Exercise can prevent obesity.  If your children participate in regular exercise their chances of becoming obese are dramatically reduced.

• Exercise can prevent diseases.  Diabetes and high blood pressure are two diseases that can be prevented through regular exercise.  This becomes very important if your family has a history of such diseases.
• Exercise creates stronger bodies.  Through regular exercise your children’s muscles and bones will become stronger.
• Exercise makes you feel good.  Exercise can help your children with their self confidence and body image.  Exercise can help your child work out feelings of frustration as well.

What kinds of exercise can you get your children to do?  How about the following:

• Walking is the simplest and best form of exercise you can do.  Try taking walks with your children.  Besides getting some great exercise, you can use the time to talk with your children.
• Sports are also a great way for your children to exercise.  Grab the basketball and go to the park with your children for a quick game.  You can make this a regular date with your children.
• Children love to swim.  If you don’t have a pool, how about a membership to your local YMCA?
• Put that bicycle your child got last year to good use.  Encourage him to get out with his friends, or even with you, and ride.
• Hiking is a great way for the entire family to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.  Children love to explore and discover and hiking is a great way to encourage this in your children.