5 Tips for Encouraging Your Child to be Physcially Active

Did you know that today’s children spend less time exercising and outside playing than they ever have before? It is estimated that most children spend a whopping 7.5 hours in front of some type of screen every day. It is also said that around one-third of high schoolers spend at least three or more hours per school day playing computer and video games.

These are quite scary statistics in the world where technology and fast food reign supreme. If you have ever wondered how to get your child up off the couch, away from the screen, and headed to a sports store to get some fitness equipment, then you need to read this blog for a few tips.

Start by Talking with Your Child’s Doctor

Sometimes all it takes is hearing it from an adult that isn’t his parent. You can start by having your child’s doctor tell him how important being physically fit is to his health. Because all of the fitness equipment in San Francisco isn’t going to do you any good if your child won’t use it. Once his doctor talks to him, then suggest a trip to the sports store to find the right equipment for your child’s needs.

Be the Role Model Your Child Needs

While it’s easy to tell your child they need to be more physically active, if you try to send them out to use the gym equipment you’ve purchased but lay up on the couch in front of the TV yourself, you’re not going to have much luck. Instead, try an exercise routine with your child. If they see that you are trying to be physically fit, there is more of a chance that they will be willing to be as well, wouldn’t you think?

Make Time for Exercise

It’s super-easy to get busy with school, work, chores, and social life, and then put exercising on the back burner. You have to make time to exercise and participate in sports with your children or they will put it off every time.

Turn Off the TV

One of the best ways to ensure your children play sports or even use the home fitness equipment you’ve purchased is by limiting their TV and screen time. The experts recommend that children not be allowed to use computers, TVs, or video games but for one to two hours every day. Use that time to get out with your children and do some exercise. Even if it’s just taking a walk about the block after dinner, it’s getting them out to be more active and showing them that there is more to life than screens and video games.

Don’t Overdo It

As with anything else in life, you want to start small and then maintain a healthy pace with your physical fitness goals with your child. Sports, exercise, and physical activity should not hurt your child and you need to keep an eye on what they are doing. If you see they are overdoing it, then you need to slow the pace for them.

These are just a few of the top tips out there for helping you get your children off the couch and outside to be more active. Make sure to visit your sports store together to get equipment, as that is part of the fun of getting more physically active together.