LCPS - Alyssa Flores: Get your kids moving, Las Cruces
By Alyssa Flores / For the Sun-News
Posted: 04/27/2011 01:00:00 AM MDT
Getting your kids to exercise these days can be an interesting task. When they are young, it's important for them to start learning healthy habits, which, if reinforced, are likely to stay with them and become a part of their lifestyles as they get older.
Getting them moving and getting the most benefit of physical activity is most likely to happen when you the parent, supports their physical activity and when the activities you choose to do are associated more with pleasure than pain. During the spring and summer, you should have no worries getting your family and kids up and out the door.
There are many fun and interesting ways that you can get your kids to exercise every day. If your kids are still fairly young, take them on a family bike ride. If they are getting a little older, then suggest they go out riding with one of their friends. Bike riding is an aerobic exercise and endurance activity that helps kids develop strength, balance and overall fitness. It strengthens the heart, lungs and lower-body muscles and bones.
If riding bikes is not an exciting activity for your child, swimming most likely will be. Swimming is one of the best cardiovascular exercises out there. Everyone loves the water during hot summer months. Take your kids to the pool and they will get plenty of exercise. Another easy way to get them moving is by simply taking them to a park. There are many things to do at the park that are fun and energizing and they won't even realize they areexercising.
The most important thing to remember is to choose individual and family activities that fit easily into your lifestyle. For the healthiest and most optimal results, select activities that are within your physical capabilities and those of your family members. The summer season is an awesome time to see many different sporting activities such as baseball games and summer basketball tournaments. Attending these events might help encourage your child to join a sports team or become more physically active. Observe sports and activities your children like, and then find out about lessons and clubs. Some children thrive on team sports; others prefer individual activities.
Expose your child to a wide variety of physical experiences. Some activities, like tennis and swimming, can be enjoyed for a lifetime and are much easier to learn during childhood. Don't insist your child do something he's not comfortable with; you can always try this sport or activity again in several months. It's also important to avoid embarrassing situations that can stick with a child. That means kids shouldn't be permitted to pick their own team members, and no one should be made an example when learning a new skill. The fewer negative experiences and the more enjoyment kids have, the more likely they are to continue to be active for a lifetime.
With all of the video games and television shows today, it's a wonder that every child isn't growing up overweight. During the next couple of months, insist your child spend some time outside. Even if he or she has nothing to do outside, most likely, your child will find something physical that will be entertaining. You can even assign your children chores that require they spend time outdoors such as mowing the lawn or pulling weeds. The main goal is to get them off of the couch and keep them moving. Give your children some household chores that require physical exertion, keeping in mind their levels of strength, coordination and maturity. Raking leaves, scrubbing floors and taking out the garbage not only teach responsibility but can also be good exercise.
Physically active children usually have higher self esteem and more confidence. Help your child gain a healthy self image and lifestyle by encouraging him or her to be more physically active. For help, take advantage of the city's recreation opportunities; from soccer leagues to fun runs. Remember to always be supportive and encouraging with their choices. Let's get moving Las Cruces!
Alyssa Flores is a senior at New Mexico State University and doing a community nutrition field experience with the LCPS. She can be reached at flores13@nmsu.edu
