Children's Summer Fitness

Kid's fitness and what they do in their leisure time is a popular topic for debate, whether discussing childhood obesity, or wayward older children. We all know that exercise is good for them, whether they are supervised activities in a gym, swimming, or out playing on their bikes all day during the holidays.

With that in mind, here are 10 great ways to keep your children active and healthy:

1. Walking to school is better for children than getting the bus or going in the car, however this option is not suitable for all children. Encourage your children to walk or ride their bike to the shops, or to friends' houses where safe and practical.

2. Encourage your children to play in the garden and invite their friends round to play. Games such as swing ball football, tennis, badminton, cricket and netball can be played in the garden quite easily.

3. If you or your partner take an interest in sport, or keeping fit, then your children are likely to take more of an interest too. Why not introduce your children to sport gradually? Maybe the Tour de France, the Euro 2008 Championships, the Open Golf, or the Olympics will get them interested in sport.

4. Let your children come to the gym with you, if it is permitted, or see if your gym has kids' exercise classes. Some gyms even offer Spin Classes and rock walls for children!

5. Why not make a concerted family effort to eat healthily and leave the not so healthy food as a treat. Fit and healthy children often do better at school, as they tend to be more alert and focussed and concentrate for longer.

6. Cycling is easy for all the family to get involved in, and is an ideal way of keeping fit and healthy. Apart from a bike and a helmet each, you don't need anything more. You can go to the shops or to see friends, as well as to explore new places.

7. Swimming is one of the best all round exercises for both adults and children, and a useful skill to have. If your children can't swim, why not teach them, or sign them up for swimming lessons at your local pool, or your gym. If they are competent and confident swimmers, why not take them swimming more regularly, or see if they would be interested in joining a swimming club or swimming competitively.

8. Take your children to the park regularly, and let them run around, play, and make new friends, under your supervision. If you live close enough, why not walk or cycle to the park too?

9. Getting your children involved in an activity you do can prove beneficial too. If you run, or go for walks, why not take your children too? They might not have your speed or agility, but they can enjoy it all the same. Perhaps by helping you purchase new sporting equipment they will gain an interest in a sport you enjoy.

10. As well as recognised exercise and fitness activities. Walks in the countryside or exploring nature trails, and just being outside can all contribute as exercise. As can a keen interest in gardening, walking the dog and just generally playing outside with friends, to help children to remain fit and healthy.

Making sure your children get enough exercise can be as simple as letting them play in the garden, or going to the park, or more involving like fitness classes or swimming lessons. Whatever exercise your children do, it will be beneficial and

Find out more about Total Fitness and Join Online, and find out what kid's fitness classes are available at your local gym.

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