In this day and age, where we find our noses constantly attached to some screen or the other, it can be quite difficult to motivate children to get their daily recommended dose of physical movement. Especially due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, getting out of the house has been a no-go, so kids have no choice but to stay at home glued to their electronic devices. This is not only leading to the increase in obesity among children but also puts them at a higher risk of developing various illnesses pretty early in their lives. It can be very difficult for parents to motivate their children to get off their couches and spend some time engaging in fun physical activities, what with their busy lifestyles.
Teens And Children’s Physical Activities
At such a rate, we might find ourselves heading to an era where children do not even know the joy of spending some much-needed quality time outdoors, getting their bodies moving and their sweat on. This is why, it is better to take pre-emptive measures and try to find fun physical activities that your children, of all ages, could engage in. Here are some ideas that could benefit them:
There is absolutely nothing like running at a fast pace, with the wind in your hair and a fire in your belly and lungs. Children can find it immensely joyful to partake in running races, which also fosters a competitive spirit among their friend circle. This activity can be made even more engaging by including obstacles such as cones and hurdles in between to make the races a lot more fun. Find a ground with some running tracks on them, or you could also go around a few blocks in your neighbourhood. For teens, it could also be fun to try and attempt half marathons, which would also open up opportunities for you in terms of the cross-country teams in your respective schools. Usually, the recommended amount of running for kids up to 14 years of age, is around 3 times a week. Find a running buddy if you find it hard to motivate yourself, and allow yourself to experience the many joys associated with running.
2. Go cycling:
Cycling is one of the most fun activities and is also quite popular among kids. If you are a parent, then definitely invest in a modern, sturdy cycle for your child and encourage them to ride it. Cycling for at least 5 miles a day can do wonders for your overall health and mood. For children, parents can set a cycling route near their house and encourage them to go with their friends. Teenagers can cycle to their schools if it is nearby. They can also cycle to nearby places, and even go on cycling trips to slightly far-off places with their friends. Cycling is extremely good for the muscles on your legs and even strengthens your body as a whole, along with improving your stamina.
3. Dance like no one’s watching:
Nothing beats the fun of turning on some of your favourite music and letting your body sway to it. Kids especially find it enjoyable and alluring. If your child especially shows signs of talent in this field, then you could enrol them into a dance class, which would further up their physical activity. Dancing for around 30 minutes a day is burns enough calories to remain fit. If you are a teen who enjoys playing video games, then you could always try the dance feature in them and try to get that daily dose of physical activity from it. It does not matter if you think you have two left feet, dancing is an indoor activity, which you can personalise and find a way to enjoy all while getting your body moving. Try to watch YouTube videos if you feel like you need someone to teach you how to get the basics right.
There are so many other activities like group sports such as basketball, football, lacrosse, baseball and cricket, among others, that kids of all ages could derive their physical activity from. Try to be on your feet as much as possible, and limit your usage of vehicles to get to nearby places. Find a workout buddy if you are a teen who wants to specifically motivate yourself to get off your sofa and get some physical movement. Remember that these are your prime years in terms of the functionality of your body, so embrace it and try to move around as much as possible, by engaging in activities that you enjoy.