1. Sign a Seasoned Veteran
Sometimes it takes inspiration to motivate your child to get in shape. That is where the help of a seasoned veteran might be handy. If your little couch potato loves watching sports but not playing them, have him meet up with an expert in your area for classes or one-on-one time. If your daughter loves watching TV shows about dancing, but isn't moving to the beat of a healthy drum, sign her up for a class so she can learn more from a veteran about the activity that captivates her attention. Meeting a real live athlete can encourage children to move more and get in shape.
2. Go Beyond the Court and Field
Some children do not like the rigid structure of sports that offers more or less the same activities day in and day out. So spice it up a little with non-conventional forms of physical activity to get your child in shape. Think rock climbing, inflatable bounce houses, in-line skating and mountain biking. It can take a little longer to find places to do these activities, but the payoff is worth it if your child gets in shape. Call around to reputable locations and ask about details like age requirements, cost and equipment. Many of these activities are offered indoor and outdoor, so find the best of what's around and introduce your child to a new way to get in shape--and stay that way.
3. Use a Team Effort
While some kids are not likely to go off and do an individualized physical activity, they may be more likely to get in shape by participating on a team or in a group atmosphere. Don't just encourage these sports at schools; look for outside clubs and groups that provide physical activities as well. Sometimes the pressure of performing in front of peers at school keeps a child from joining a school team. Offering the same activity in a different setting may be all you need to motivate your child to join in. Some leagues even eliminate score keeping, preferring to focus on movement and fun instead of competition, which can lead to benching players not as physically gifted. Look around to find something that is the perfect fit. The key to getting your children in shape is simple: Get them moving and keep it that way.
Sometimes it takes inspiration to motivate your child to get in shape. That is where the help of a seasoned veteran might be handy. If your little couch potato loves watching sports but not playing them, have him meet up with an expert in your area for classes or one-on-one time. If your daughter loves watching TV shows about dancing, but isn't moving to the beat of a healthy drum, sign her up for a class so she can learn more from a veteran about the activity that captivates her attention. Meeting a real live athlete can encourage children to move more and get in shape.
2. Go Beyond the Court and Field
Some children do not like the rigid structure of sports that offers more or less the same activities day in and day out. So spice it up a little with non-conventional forms of physical activity to get your child in shape. Think rock climbing, inflatable bounce houses, in-line skating and mountain biking. It can take a little longer to find places to do these activities, but the payoff is worth it if your child gets in shape. Call around to reputable locations and ask about details like age requirements, cost and equipment. Many of these activities are offered indoor and outdoor, so find the best of what's around and introduce your child to a new way to get in shape--and stay that way.
3. Use a Team Effort
While some kids are not likely to go off and do an individualized physical activity, they may be more likely to get in shape by participating on a team or in a group atmosphere. Don't just encourage these sports at schools; look for outside clubs and groups that provide physical activities as well. Sometimes the pressure of performing in front of peers at school keeps a child from joining a school team. Offering the same activity in a different setting may be all you need to motivate your child to join in. Some leagues even eliminate score keeping, preferring to focus on movement and fun instead of competition, which can lead to benching players not as physically gifted. Look around to find something that is the perfect fit. The key to getting your children in shape is simple: Get them moving and keep it that way.
