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Obesity and Kids Exercises
Child Obesity and Exercises
In today's environment children become obese because of the life style we are leading. Children look for examples to follow. The parents are the first examples whom a child follows. Your style of living is followed by your children. If you are not leading a disciplined life style, not doing any exercises your children will also do the same. Whenever you are at home if you spend most of your time watching television then the children will also follow the same practise. If you want your child to lose weight and get rid of obesity then the first step is for you to change your life style. Be an example to your children. Eat a balance diet and advice your children to do so. Go out, take your children alongwith you for a walk, walking is the best and simple exercise. It will also give you an opportunity to talk to your child and understand them better. Before attempting to change the eating habits and life style of your child change your own. What the experts say is helping your child lose weight is a family affair. Everyone should be involved in planning exercises, games, jogging and coming up with ideas to be active together.
Why is exercise or physical activity important for your child?
Increased physical activity has been associated with an increased life expectancy and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Physical activity produces overall physical, psychological and social benefits. Inactive children are likely to become obese. And physical activity helps with controlling your weight.
When it comes to exercise, what you do depends on your child's age. If he's young, you don't need to set him up on a structured routine. The name of the game is FUN. Go to the park or the zoo, walk the dog, play ball in the back yard. Make it a habit to take a walk before dinner or do some other activity that doesn't involve sitting around watching TV. Find out about any sports your child is interested in and encourage her to participate. Physical activity should be increased by reducing sedentary time (e.g., watching television, playing computer video games or talking on the phone). Physical activity should be fun for children and adolescents. Parents should try to be role models for active lifestyles and provide children with opportunities for increased physical activity. With obesity and its related illnesses on the rise for all ages, families that exercise together have a better chance of staying healthy. And children whose parents work exercise into their early lives are more apt to exercise throughout their lives.
For younger children exercise equipment may only consist of a skipping rope in the back garden. As your child gets older they may benefit from other equipment such as a treadmill, rowing machine or exercise bench. Try to remember not to jump in feet first when making your exercise equipment decisions. Take the time to find out which sport, if any, your child is interested in and go from there. If your child has no preference for a particular sport you may want to consider a bicycle, roller blades, a skateboard or maybe a trampoline.
Playing sports and engaging in tennis, soccer, swimming and other outdoor classes is one way for kids to reap the benefits of exercise. But you don't have to leave home to devise a fun exercise program for your kids. DVDs with music and aerobics make working out at home something you can do whenever you have the time and inclination. Indoor fitness activities and minimal equipment like free weights, bands or exercise balls can turn your home into a movable gym and make fitness an easy and accessible part of your children's lives.
No matter what you do for exercise for your children, the most important thing is that you start them young so that it is something they think is a normal part of life. This may help keep them active for years to come, and good health is one of the most important lessons you can teach them.
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