Run Kid Run: Tips On How to Get Your Children to Exercise More

Kids today are getting chubbier and many are in danger of turning into obese teenagers with a whole host of different health problems. While part of our kid's growing waist lines can be blamed on the fast industry and the presence of overly fatty, salty and sugary foods within the home, we also need to look at our children's sedentary lifestyle and unwillingness to go outside and get some exercise. Kids today are more likely to plop down in front of the super big screen HDTV and play video games than put on their shoes and go outside to play. This unhealthy couch potato lifestyle is just as bad as transfat in making children bigger than they ought to be.

Here are some tips on how to make sure your kids are getting enough exercise and burning off those pizza rolls that they are endlessly scarfing down.

• Encourage them to invite their friends over for some good old fashioned fun instead of allowing them to sit in front of their computer and chat with their online on a social networking site, where only their fingers get the benefit of exercise.
• While the Wii console encourages some movement and action, nothing compares to the real thing. Instead letting your child stay cooped up in their room playing sports video games, why not encourage them to try out for an actual sport where they can not only get some much needed exercise but also learn the value of teamwork.
• Limit the amount time they get spend watching TV and movies. Kids who spent too much time in front of the old boob tube end up sitting around and eating more as they get zombified by commercial entertainment.
• "It's a beautiful day, why don't you go outside and play with your friends?" While this might be a over stated sentiment by moms and dads the world over, do not let that keep you from saying it. You can also make the outdoors more appealing by installing a basketball hoop in the driveway or perhaps even a badminton net.
• Teach them how to ride a bike. Bicycles are great exercise, and offer older kid the freedom and independence that they are craving. Encourage them to take their bikes to school or work and watch as their confidence builds.
• Lead by example. If your children see you doing your best to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, they might soon follow suit. Instead of waiting for that open spot in front of the store, why not park a little further away and walk a bit. Also, go for walks around the neighborhood and do some exploring with your kids.
• The family dog is a built exercise regime. Encourage your kids to take the dog for longer walks. It is something everyone can benefit from.
• If you live within a mile of your school, why not encourage your kids to walk to school instead of driving them? A nice brisk walk in the morning can be a great start to the day.
• If you have a local gym or YMCA, why not enroll your children in exercise classes. From swimming to martial arts, there is always something that will be of interest to them.

Yulia Berry is an independent health researcher and author of the best selling e-books Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor and 'Pharmacy in Vegetables'. She distributes a weekly newsletter regarding great home remedies and has written dozens of natural health articles published on hundreds of websites worldwide. Yulia Berry's new ebook Unlocked Secrets of Curative Garlic to be released soon.

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