Family fitness makeover

Increasing numbers of Britain's kids are getting fat and unfit, so it's time to tear them away from their computer games and bags of crisps, and think up fun ways to get them into shape

Almost a quarter of Britain's under-fours are already medically overweight and, according to a recent study carried out at Liverpool University, the number of clinically obese children has almost doubled in the last 10 years to around one in 10.

Inspiring ways to a fitter family

Get physical!

Just moving around instead of sitting down is a great start to getting more physical. Try these ideas to bring the fun back into fitness:

Set some physical challenges for all the family

It could be playing Twister; having a disco dancing competition (but you have to really throw yourselves into it!) or skipping with ropes in the garden - anything that gets you all moving. On your calendar, pencil in an activity for every day so that you all get to spend some active time together.

Turn out the shed

Find your old Swingball, Frisbee®, footballs, basketball hoop - anything you used to enjoy doing but have forgotten about - then give it a new lease of life with the kids.

Investigate different sports

Some leisure centres coach kids from as young as four in basketball, tennis and martial arts.

Put your family bikes back into service

If you don't have any, look for second-hand bargains in the local newsagents' windows or in your free papers, or check out your local car-boot sale. Just after Christmas is a good time to buy, as lots of adults and children will have had new bikes from Santa. Schedule a long bike ride for the next three available weekends.

Dig out your swimming cozzies

Check out the times of the family swimming sessions at your local leisure centre (and don't forget to go along!)

Get your skates on!

Try inline skating. Again, some leisure centres have indoor rollerblading sessions for both adults and children.