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* Find a My Gym for kids near your home now!
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
In the past, children's fitness was never considered an issue. Most children enjoyed playing rugged outdoor games until forced by their parents to come inside. This is no longer the case. Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions, leading to such complications as juvenile diabetes and heart disease. This is caused by a number of issues, most notably a more sedentary lifestyle that is followed by all Americans. If parents are less active, the children will be as well. Another problem is the increase in popularity of indoor pursuits such as videogames and 24 hour cable and satellite cartoon channels. We now must focus on children's fitness to an extent never before necessary.
The easiest way to encourage children’s fitness is to get them to do what they do best-play outside. Parents can make a rule stating no video games or cartoons while the sun is up. They should be encouraged to ride bikes, play tag, play cops and robbers, etc. However, parents must do more than simply command their children to be active. They should set an example by becoming more active themselves. Encouraging family outdoor activities is a great way to improve the parents’ and children’s fitness at the same time.
Another excellent way to encourage children's fitness is to involve them in organized sports activities. Year round sports such as karate or gymnastics are ideal, but seasonal sports such as soccer and basketball help as well.
Children’s fitness is a topic that can no longer be ignored. Parents should encourage physical activity as well as increase their own fitness to serve as a positive example. Increasing children's fitness is the best way to halt the alarming increase in juvenile diabetes and other diseases
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