| Family Fitness |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-210 |
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It's a disturbing statistic -- one in four kids is overweight, says Ask DIY Fitness Expert Stacie Saunders. Below, she answers five of the most commonly asked questions about ways to get your kids away from the television and into shape: Q: I want to encourage my children to exercise. How can I get them started?
A: Lead by example. If you're a couch potato, they're going to be couch potatoes Q: How do I keep kids interested in exercise?
A: Kids need 45-60 minutes of activity each day. Supervise and watch the clock and also make sure they don't get bored by varying the activities, including pogo sticks, jump rope and jumping jacks. Squat thrusts are another fun exercise to share. From a standing position, you fall face forward to your hands, with your legs stretched out in back, push up style (figure A). Then you bring your knees forward, quickly, until you're squatting with your hands still on the ground (figure B). Then you jump up, hands on hips, and do it all over again. Q: Do kids burn more calories than adults? I don't want them exercising too much!
A: Yes, they burn more calories because their metabolisms are higher. That's why it's important for children to eat properly. They should also stay hydrated by drinking one cup of water for each half hour of activity. Q: Is it important for kids to stretch before exercising?
A: Yes, yes, yes! Limber up with some toe touches, and keep it interesting by stretching with your children. Another stretch that's good for your child's quads (the muscles on the front of the thigh) is grabbing one foot while standing straight and holding the position it for a count of 10. Lean on a partner or grab a chair if you have a hard time keeping your balance. And then switch to the other foot. Q: Are trampolines a good way for kids to get exercise?
A: No way! The American Academy of Pediatrics says to stay away from trampolines because they're dangerous. For an exercise that's just as good for burning calories, sit facing your child on the floor with knees bent. Then pass a soccer ball around (or a medicine ball if your kids are stronger), leaning back when you catch it and leaning forward to throw it. Web Site Resources for Family Fitness: 99 Tips For Family Fitness Fun From Shape Up.org Activities For The Whole Family from Family.com Family, Fitness and Fun from Quaker.com Books: Families That Play Together Stay Together
by Cameron and Donna Partow
ISBN: 1556617119
Bethany House Publishers (1996)
1400 Hampshire Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55438
Phone: 952-829-2500
Fax: 952-829-2768
Web site: www.bethanyhouse.com 365 Activities For Fitness, Food and Fun For The Whole Family
by Julia Sweet
ISBN: 080929767
NTC/Contemporary Books
McGraw Hill
Customer Service
P.O. Box 545
Blacklick, OH 43004-0545
Phone: 800-621-1918
E-mail: ntcpub@mcgrawhill.com
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