Youth Fitness Tips

Long gone are the days when kids ride their bikes with their friends after school or play outside until the sun goes down. Those days have been replaced with video games, computers and television. This sedentary way of life has led to an increase in childhood obesity; a condition that can only be treated by increasing the physical activity our children receive in combination with proper nutrition.

A little physical fitness never hurt anyone. If you want to motivate your kids, get involved and join in with them. Becoming physically fit doesn't always mean joining a gym, it just means being active. Take an after-dinner walk, dust off the bikes and take a ride, or maybe play a game of tag in the backyard. This not only gets kids moving but provides family time as well.

Schools generally offer some type of sport year round. Talk to your child and ask her what her interests are. Maybe she will like soccer or baseball. Whatever it may be, run with it and sign your child up. Not only will this provide them with a form of exercise, it also gives them a sense of pride while teaching them how to be a part of a team.

The YMCA is open year round and offers programs for everyone from toddlers to adults. They have swimming classes, gymnasiums, and fitness centers. They also offer summer programs for kids which will keep them active while you are at work.

All the activity in the world is worthless if you do not educate your child about proper nutrition. Sit down and teach him how to make proper food choices. Keep healthy, yet tasty snacks in the house. These can include mozzarella string cheese packs, frozen yogurt instead of ice cream, and bananas dipped in low-fat chocolate.