How to get your kids active
Fitness is the key to zapping poor health in kids and make them happier. 93% of children claim to enjoy being active and the majority feel more sociable, confident and content as a result of their favourite sports and activities.
But why is exercise such a force of good for kids? How can it defeat obesity and overcome poor health so effectively?
Here at Impulse Leisure, we’ve pulled together some information about why physical activity is so important to kids. We’ve even provided some exciting tips on getting more active as a family.
The might of physical activity
Kids are superheroes at keeping themselves active, whether they’re playing tag, climbing trees or riding their bike. All these, and more, carry big benefits to their physical and mental development, including:
- Stronger bones and muscles
- Better balance and coordination
- Improved self-confidence
- Greater motor skill development
- Improved social skills
NHS guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children between 5 and eighteen. This should range from moderate activities like cycling and swimming, to vigorous ones like running and playing tennis.
Harnessing physical activity as a family
Power off the TV
We understand that screens are an irreplaceable sidekick to busy parents. But NHS studies show a link between screen time and conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Your best bet is to set screen limits in place and schedule in time for physical activity. You can even do both at the same time. Interactive devices like the Wii are a great way to use screens as a way of getting your daily exercise dose.
Alternatively, our facilities include high-tech gym equipment, enabling you to watch TV or music videos whilst exercising. We offer free junior gym sessions as part of our family membership for year 11 plus.
Give specific praise
Getting enthusiastic about specific milestones is the bit that will really resonate with your child and encourage them to push their limits further.
Instead of offering up a simple ‘good job’ when they manage a length of the pool unaided, tell them what they did so well. Perhaps their leg technique has improved dramatically on the last time they tried. Maybe they’ve developed more confidence.
Offering exact praise also makes it easier to give constructive criticism when they’re struggling.
Make exercise awesome
Much like the annual Christmas brussels sprouts battle, if a child is taught to see exercise as a chore then they’ll attempt to avoid it forever. Choose activities that your child enjoys, and they’ll be more motivated to try new things.
Need a nudge for ideas? Some of our more popular sessions include roller disco, street dance and golf*. The Office for National Statistics also suggests gymnastics and running as popular sports for children. If your kids have oodles of energy, why not go for a regular run around the park?
Instil exercise into your daily routine
Did you know that 42% of parents ferry their children to school by car? The irony is that sitting in traffic probably takes as long as walking or cycling there.
Think about the other ways you and your child can use your day-to-day activities to increase your health. Other examples include taking the stairs instead of the lift, jogging instead of walking and getting your kids to help you out with the housework (it can be done!).
Unite as a family
The list of benefits that come with working out as a family is much too long to list here. But for one, it gives you the chance to get close to your kids and grow a closer bond. For another, it allows you to play a huge part in their development.
Try getting involved in regular mutual sports like swimming and golf. You don’t have to follow the rules of gameplay. Even if fitness isn’t really your thing, every parent will understand that having fun with your kids is. You can even come up with new ways of playing, like club hopping.
If they see you enjoying exercise, they will learn to love it too.
Save like a superhero on family activities at Impulse Leisure
We understand that half the battle of getting active as a family is time and opportunity.
As part of our Family Membership, we’ve got a huge range of family activities to keep everyone SUPER entertained, including unlimited swimming and family fun sessions, half price swimming lessons, supervised junior gym sessions and loads more.
So power up and swoop in! Visit impulseleisure.co.uk/supersavings or call your local Membership Advisors to find out more.
*activities vary depending on your region.