Help Your Kids with a Family Focus on Fitness
October 8, 2012by Erin Light, ACSM-CPT, CLFC
Fitness Coach for Flourish! www.flourishyourlife.com
Families are facing new challenges now with the proliferation of media entertainment and limited physical education programs in schools; parents are now searching for ways to encourage kids to embrace more physical activity. With so many sedentary "play" options like video games, internet, and television and low-level requirements for students to participate in P.E. classes, it has become a family responsibility to make exercise a priority. And as childhood obesity statistics continue to rise, it is more imperative that we find ways to make daily physical activity appealing and available. Research has demonstrated that virtually all individuals can benefit from physical activity. And although kids are typically more active than adults, the American Heart Association believes children are less fit than they were a generation ago. Both the AHA and CDC recommend that youth get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, but the amount of kids actually meeting those numbers can be hard to tell. Fortunately, the evidence has compelled many public figures to address this issue through the development of programs like First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move and the NFL’s Play 60 initiatives.
Although it is evident that physical activity is a key component to preventing and combating childhood obesity, it isn’t always easy to implement. Just as it takes effort to create one’s own personal commitment to exercise, it can take time to help kids embrace this too. Even though it can take some dedication to develop a positive focus on physical activity, there are simple steps you can start taking today to encourage your kids and make physical activity a family priority.
Encourage Physical Play
Keep physical activity fun and playful! Avoid making physical activity feel like a "chore" by keeping the focus on games and sports. If your child loves media interaction, take advantage of "exergaming" systems like Nintendo Wii or Dance Dance Revolution that are available. Encourage your child in activities that will build self-confidence by limiting competition and avoiding settings that create anxiety.
Limit Sedentary "Play"
Although this can be tough, one way to encourage more activity is to decrease the temptation for sedentary activities like watching television and using the computer. The CDC reported that children aged 8-18 are spending over three hours per day "glued to the tube" in some way. They also reported on studies showing a positive correlation between this "tube time" and the prevalence of obesity in children. Finding a way to limit TV time is a basic step in preventing obesity and encouraging physical activities.
Make it Regular
Establishing a regular routine for the entire family is another way to promote physical activity. Whether it is an evening walk after dinner or a Saturday bike excursion at the park, this kind of routine can begin to make physical activity feel like a regular aspect of your child’s life. This also provides an opportunity for you to act as a role model and influence your child’s behavior.
Support School Efforts
Schools can play a key role in combating childhood obesity. With the amount of hours kids spend in the classroom during the year, schools carry a lot of responsibility to play a part in the efforts. However, the CDC found in a 2006 report that only 4% of elementary schools, 8% of middle schools, and 2% of high schools provided daily physical education the entire school year. Since the report was released, legislation has been introduced and pursued at the state and federal levels, including the FIT Kids Act, which was approved by the House of Representatives in April and is currently pending in the U.S. Senate. If enacted, The FIT Kids Act would require local school districts to provide educational materials to students and their families regarding the benefits of healthful eating habits and physical activity. However, all levels of government are struggling to find funding for essential programs, which has often resulted in educational budget cuts and inadequate P.E. program funding. One way you can support the efforts for more physical education in schools is by checking out your local programs to make sure kids are getting the CDC’s recommended 150-225 minutes per week of quality physical education. If not, make your voice heard at your next school board meeting. Also, check out some of the nationwide non-profit organizations that are working to keep physical education in schools like PE4Life, Action for Healthy Kids, and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.
Help Build Better Environments
The built environment within communities can influence access to physical activity opportunities. For example, a safe neighborhood that includes sidewalks, bike paths, or local parks is more encouraging for a child to be physically active than one with busy streets and limited open spaces. Even if you don’t have access to these amenities right outside your home, make sure you introduce your kids to the safest places for them to play. If you are lacking safe places for your kids to play, you can get involved in your community to create awareness about the importance of urban planning and architecture that promotes a healthier environment. The CDC is also making an effort to promote safe neighborhoods, and has put together a walk-to-school resource guide for families that includes information about successful neighborhood programs like Safe Routes to Schools.
Although it is requiring extra efforts for some kids and families to be more active, it is an important part of preventing and combating obesity. If we begin to take more responsibility in our own homes, schools, and communities, we can help address the issue of childhood obesity one child at a time. By establishing a family-focus on fitness and fostering more opportunities for our kids and families to be physically active, we are increasing their abilities to maintain a healthy weight…as well as helping them to experience a good quality of life, which is something all kids deserve!
Check out Erin's ObesityHelp blog for more fitness tips.
