Fitness for Kids – You’re Never Too Young to Start
Lots of people are trying to whip themselves into shape. They’re going on diets, committing to regular exercise regimens, and even joining support groups to help make sure that they follow through. But far too few people consider the fitness future for the next generation. It’s easier to take the family out for a fast food dinner than to take the time and trouble to cook. It’s easier to let the kids watch TV than to fight about playing outside. And, most of all, it’s too hard to teach them a healthy lifestyle when we aren’t living one ourselves. But for their sakes and for ours, this has got to change.
This is the first generation of children whose life expectancy is shorter than their parents’ because of obesity-related medical problems. Children suffering from obesity are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Aside from these physical factors, obese children also suffer from low self-esteem and depression. This is a problem so serious that First Lady Michelle Obama has taken it up as a personal cause and many other are fighting to convince people to make small changes in their lives for the sake of their children.
Small changes can make a big difference. Encourage your kids to make friends and encourage them to play outside. Play with them if you can. This will strengthen family bonds as well as physical health. Sign your kids up for youth sports leagues. They can learn to be part of a team, make new friends, and exercise all at once. And limit their time watching TV and surfing the internet. The more they get used to a sedentary lifestyle, the more likely it is that this lifestyle will continue into their adulthood. Lazy, immobile children usually become lazy, immobile adults.
If small changes aren’t cutting it, you may need to take drastic measures. Get rid of your television altogether. You probably aren’t doing yourself any good watching it, either. Get up out of your seat and exercise. And make your kids do it with you. If you set a good example, then your exhortations for your kids to be more active will carry extra weight, in a good way. If you take the time and energy to get fit as a family, not only will your health and quality of life improve, but your family togetherness will improve as well. They’ll thank you for that someday.
