Kids are always running around, aren’t they? Legging it around the yard at school or around the house, so it might seem like they get lots of daily exercise, but in fact, they’re most likely NOT getting as much as you think. And that’s where the parents come in.
Gym class at school is just not enough to keep them fit. And by keeping them fit, you’re keeping them healthy, helping them learn and concentrate better, eat better, sleep better and longer and most importantly, keeping them out of the doctors and sick less often. I mean it’s an actual NO-BRAINER!
So, we’ve teamed up with Avonmore Slimline milk, sponsors of Breast Cancer Ireland’s Great Pink Run, to bring you some tips to help you incorporate some simple heart-pumping methods of exercise into your daily family routine:
1. Exercise together
Nothing gets the message across like YOU practising what you preach. Get out there with them and have fun exercising together. Go for a gentle jog around the block. Pop a yoga video on Youtube and get your ‘downward dog’ on in unison. Head out for a family cycle. ‘Lead by example’ should be your new family motto for summer.
2. Make it FUN
Make every activity exciting and fun to do. Instead of heading out just for a jog together, pretend you’re going on a Fairy hunt or time yourselves with a stop watch to incentivise the activity. Children respond so much better to doing things if you add the element of mystery, fun and excitement.
3. Dancing
If your child isn’t sporty – turn on some tunes in the house or garden and just DANCE your way to fitness. Choose something with a repetitive beat like Uptown Funk or Happy, and just wave your arms in the air and have some fun. Nothing gets the blood flow going like a good ol’ boogie and this is a perfect way to get some exercise in on a rainy day.
4. Cycling
Show me a child who doesn’t like cycling? Now show them how much you like it too, pop on your helmets and head off for a family cycle and bring a picnic – stop halfway to make it fun for them.
5. Think outside the playing field
Head to the park and play unstructured games: Hide and seek, tag, or use your imagination and make up your own: The trees are the walls around the castle, the rocks are the dragons and the baddies are the bushes… try and think like a child and join in on their adventures.
6. Unusual sports
So, maybe they’re not into swimming or football. So, sign them up to summer camps or after-school classes for out-of-the-ordinary sports: Martial Arts, Play Ball, Orienteering, Kayaking, Hip-hop, Fencing – they might be more likely to jump-to-it if the type of exercise is a bit different to the ‘norm’.
7. Limit screen time
Sounds obvious, but if you really keep this in check, you’ll be surprised how much more they get out into the fresh air. Introduce a rewards system – if they get all their rewards daily, they get some screen time, but limit the time. This will teach them that screen time is something to work towards, rather than a given.
8. Bring a friend along
Kids love to hangout with their buddies, so invite a friend along for a cycle or a jog. Your child is much more likely to get in on the action if they have a friend by their side. Simples.
9. Make it cool
Instill the idea that exercise is ‘in’. Use their favourite celebrities or cartoon characters as examples of people they admire who love to exercise. Or get them cool new sportswear, so they feel the part.
10. Put them in charge
Let them decide what activity they want to do. Giving them the independence to decide makes it more likely for them to get involved. Let them choose the activity every few days.
This article is sponsored by Avonmore Slimline Milk, proud sponsors of Breast Cancer Ireland’s Great Pink Run. Avonmore Slimline Milk contains added iron & vitamin C to give you that extra boost to get you over the line! Sign up for the Great Pink Run here.
