Keeping kids fit

Everyday activity
If you're really busy, your children can be active by helping you with the chores: they could do some vacuuming or vigorous dusting, wash the car or do some weeding. Play some music, make up songs - make it fun! When you go shopping, leave the car at home and take out bikes (remember the helmet) or Rollerblades (only when they're proficient skaters, and don't forget pads and helmet).

Encourage your children to engage in some muscle-strengthening exercises like push-ups and pull-ups for the arms (or even a game of tug-of-war) for the arms and cycling or running for the legs. Jungle gyms and monkey bars are excellent for children, since they use their own body weight and all children love them. Always include some stretching in your child's activities, since their muscles are vulnerable to strain and injury. Children are very flexible and it's a good idea to help them stay that way; yoga, gymnastics, martial arts and dancing are all great for flexibility as well as general fitness.

Remember that the best way to encourage your children is to set a good example. So don't flop in front of the TV eating crisps - go for a walk or dance around the kitchen. Participate in your child's activities whenever you can and plan family outings that involve walking, swimming, cycling or sledging. Being active is a great way for the family to do something fun together and it helps reinforce the positive aspects of exercise. Your children need your help and guidance in order to be healthy and to develop into strong adults, so get off the couch and have some fun with them.

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