Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Kids Fitness Games – Make Exercise Fun

eCommunity Members Events Forum Chat

Power Vegetables In A Drink
Kids Fitness
Click this now


://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">


If you are looking for a way to get your kids to exercise but are running into road blocks along the way, the try incorporating some kids fitness games into the mix. When children are playing games they are less interested in the fact that they are exercising, and more interested in the fact that they are having a blast. There are several games that children of all ages can play to stay active and some of them can be found below.

Kids Fitness Games for Toddlers

It is never too early to start turning your kids on to different kinds of exercise. Instead of sitting them in front of a TV, try some of these fun and entertaining kids fitness games to get them up and moving around.

Duck Duck Goose

This is a popular favorite among toddlers. Everyone sits in a circle, and then one person stands up to pat each head and say duck, duck, duck. Eventually the child will touch someone's head, and that child will need to get up and catch them before the person who was it can run to the open spot and sit down. If they beat the goose they get to sit while the new child picks the goose.

Hide and Seek

Another favorite with young children, hide and seek is really fun for all ages but easy enough for toddlers to pick up. One child counts to ten or an adult can help them, while the other children hide. After the appointed time, they go and try to find the other kids and tag them before they reach home base. If they tag someone they are no longer it and get to be a child that hides.

Kids Fitness Games for 5-12 Year Olds

As children get older they will require more detailed games in order to keep them interested. Luckily, there are plenty of games that fall into that category. A few of them can be found below.

Capture the Flag

There are two teams in this game, and both of them have a flag of some sort on opposite ends of the field. Each team tries to run and capture the others flag and bring it back to their side. The first team to do it wins.

Blanket Sleds

Give children an old blanket to play with, and they can take turns sitting on it, while they pull one or more around the grass with it. If you have steep hills around your home, give your children some cardboard boxes to slide down them with. They may not use much energy sliding down hills, but thing of the exercise they will get climbing back up.

If you put some thought into it, you can come up with a wide range of kids fitness games that can be enjoyed by children of all ages. The examples below should give you a few ideas, but try to keep your children's own interests in mind when you think of games for them to play.

Labels: , , , ,


Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Kids Fitness and Nutrition – Learn How to Keep Your Kids Healthy and Happy

eCommunity Members Events Forum Chat

Power Vegetables In A Drink
Kids Fitness
Click this now


://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">


Kids fitness and nutrition should be at the top of your list as a parent. It can often be hard to get your children in the right mood to want to exercise and eat well though. So what can you do to keep your kids happy and healthy? There are a wide variety of ways that you can incorporate fitness and nutrition into your children's lives without them being resentful or pulling away. The ideas below will help you learn some fun and sneaky ways to get your kids into a healthier state of mind.

Make it Fun

Children never want to do anything they are told, so you have to make kids fitness and nutrition fun if you have any hope of turning them into healthy individuals. You can make fun faces out of fruits and vegetables on their plate, or invent some fun activities that they can do with their friends in the backyard. The key is that it should be something that they would ask you to do not something that you would ask them to do.

Let Them Help

This technique works especially well when you are trying to get your children to eat healthy, but it can work for fitness just as well. Get your children involved in the kids fitness and nutrition routine. They can help you make healthful meals, or plan a family outing that includes lots of activity. Whatever it is, make sure that you do it together. They will have fun getting your attention and getting to call some of the shots, and you will get a healthier and happier child.

Get Up and Move

Too many families have gotten into the routine of sitting around the house when there is a day off. You can’t expect your children to be interested in health and fitness if you aren't. So, instead of planning a day on the couch with a movie, why not take the weekend to go camping and hiking outdoors. This will be an enjoyable family trip, and will get you and your kids up and moving.

Try Being Sneaky

Sometime you have to pull out all of the stops to ensure that kids fitness and nutrition is a success. If your children absolutely refuse to each vegetables, then sometimes you have to sneak them in. Now there are even products on the market that can help. For example, there is juice that now comes with vegetables in it but it still tastes like fruit juice. If your children are old enough to read the bottle, just pour it into a container before they can see it. Every little bit helps when it comes to keeping your kids healthy.

The key to kids fitness and nutrition is to do it as a family and to make it fun. If you can get your children involved in the process, then half the battle is already won. Take the time to look over the ideas above, and start focusing on healthier and happier kids today.

Labels: , , , , , ,


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Exercise Goal Setting For Kids

eCommunity Members Events Forum Chat

Power Vegetables In A Drink
Kids Fitness
Click this now


://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">


Exercise for kids has many positive benefits that can help them mentally and physically in many aspects of their life. Although goal setting may not be the first thing on their mind when playing an entertaining game of basketball, making sure a child continues to be challenged is an important aspect of their physical and mental development. Goal setting for kids is an essential element that can bring about a successful achievement.

Exercise, as with any project a child or an adult takes on, should have goals to be met. Setting these goals is essential in taking steps to reach them. It also gives the child motivation to work harder to progress. An exercise goal for kids could be as simple as being able to do five push ups. It could also be more complex such as working on skills that will help them out on the soccer team.

There are two types of goals to keep in mind when supervising a childrens fitness program, short and long-term. A long-term goal should be the ultimate objective that the child is working for. As an example, it could be to participate in a mile long kids road race. When a child wants to run in a race like this, it is a great motivator for them to know they are going to be able to run a whole mile after they are finished! After the long-term goal is set, it is time to implement the short-term goals.

The short-term goals are what will make the seemingly daunting task of running a whole mile attainable. Short-term goals should be set to work on the smaller pieces of the long-term goal. Just getting the child out to go on a fifteen minute walk at the park could be a good starter. After this is accomplished, the walk could extend to thirty minutes. The next progression could be that they jog for fifteen minutes. A good mid level goal would be to run for half a mile. These short-term victories keep the child moving in a forward direction. The accomplishment of the short-term goal motivates the child while always moving them forward. This way the long-term goal is very attainable by putting together the fulfillment of short-term goals.

Proper goal setting is essential for the successful progression of every childs fitness routine. It takes smaller short-term goals to realize the long-term. It is up to the adult to help lay out a formulated plan for success when a child expresses interest in accomplishing a goal. Although short-term and long-term goals seem academic and calculated, the child doesnt have to know this! They should be having fun! Never forget to make sure the child is enjoying themselves while putting in the effort to work toward a well earned achievement.

Labels: , , , ,


Friday, April 16, 2010

Youth Sports Camps For Kids' Fitness

eCommunity Members Events Forum Chat

Power Vegetables In A Drink
Kids Fitness
Click this now


://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">


Summer is always an idle time for kids. Unless they are in a school district that has year-round classes, the summer months are a vast expanse of boredom and nothing to do. Sure, you could let your kids play video games all day, but wouldnt it be better for them (and you) if they had something fun and exciting to do with other kids that would get them outside and moving?

With obesity rates among US kids at an alarming high, kids fitness is important, and there is nothing better than sports to get kids running and moving their bodies. Summer Sports camps for kids are a great way to enroll your child in an activity that will get him or her exercising, playing with other kids, and learning new skills all in a safe, guided environment.

Youth Sports camps come in a variety of options. There are Sports Skills Camps that focus on learning and honing the methods and skills of playing the game, and Recreation Sports Camps, which emphasize fun and team spirit without a hard focus on competition and game improvement. Youth sports camps offer many choices of sport, but some of the most popular are Baseball Camp, Basketball Camp and Soccer Camp. There are camps that offer more than one sport, and some offer Baseball, Basketball and Soccer all in one, to give the kids a taste of multiple sports in one camp session.

If you are concerned about your kids fitness and want to get your son or daughter involved in sports in a safe, supervised environment, a youth sports camp may be the best solution for you. If your child already has a favorite sport, it is easy to find a sports camp that offers instruction or an opportunity to play that sport, and if your child likes many sports or doesnt have a favorite, a sports camp that offers multiple sports might be the best choice.

Regardless of what youth sports camp you choose, getting your kids involved in sports will encourage them to exercise, help them develop healthy bodies, foster friendships and build skills that they can use throughout their lives.

Labels: , , , ,


Monday, April 12, 2010

How To Choose A Fitness Program For Your Child

eCommunity Members Events Forum Chat

Power Vegetables In A Drink
Kids Fitness
Click this now


://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">


Harvey Howard is the owner of My Gym Childrens Fitness Center in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He is a certified special education teacher, elementary teacher, guidance counselor, and student assistance professional located in New Jersey. Here he discusses how parents can find the right fitness program for their child.

When parents begin looking for a fitness program for their child, there are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration. Some questions parents may want to ask themselvesas well as the instructors working at the programinclude:
Does the program address different areas of childrens developmentin terms of physical and emotional development?
Does the program have a variety of challenging activitiessuch as a climbing as well as tumbling?
Are kids having the opportunity to be in different body positionsi.e. are they developing more body awareness of themselves in the process?
Is there a happy sense about the activities that are going on?
Do the instructors seem engaged with the children?
Have the instructors learned the childrens names?
In the instruction, do all children feel like they are being encouraged?
Are children praised for doing their best for trying, or is there a sense of failure with their attempt?
Do instructors work with children of different levels of development?
Does everyone have to perform at the same level to get the same amount of reinforcement?

Children ages 2 and 5 have vastly different skill levels in terms of what they can accomplish, which is why it is important to find a facility where kids of all ages are encouraged equally, no matter how well they can perform certain activities and skills.

Parents should not just check out just one program. Rather, they should personally visit a number of facilities and ask for guest passes so they can try out the classes and get a better feel for what is going on there.

Once a child has started attending a new fitness program, it is important to stay alert and make sure your child is still enthusiastic about going. Kids are just like with adults. We go to fitness programs that we like and have fun at. So it should be the same bench mark for your children. If they are not having fun, they will not want to keep going. So some things to keep into consideration even after your child has started classes at a new facility include:

Are they excited to go or are you forcing them?
Does it look like your child takes ownership of wanting to go?
Do they want to participate in the activities?

By keeping these questions in mind, parents will be able to decide for themselves whether the gym they have chosen is really the best fit for their child

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

Labels: , , , ,


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Importance Of Physical Fitness For Kids!

eCommunity Members Events Forum Chat

Power Vegetables In A Drink
Kids Fitness
Click this now


://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">


Physical fitness can be defined as a general state of good physical health. Obtaining and maintaining physical fitness is a result of physical activity, proper diet and nutrition. In more simple terms, physical fitness is to the human body what fine-tuning is to an engine. It allows the individual to perform up to their potential. Regardless of age physical fitness is the condition that helps the individual to look, feel and do their best. Therefore physical trainers define it as the ability to perform daily tasks vigorously, enjoy leisure-time activities and meet emergency demands.

Physical Fitness for kids is as important as it is for grown ups. Today in this digital era, you can find kids are more interested in playing video games, watching television, taking music classes rather than getting involved in any kind of physical activities. This is really sad for our future generations because participation in sports or athletics, and martial arts not only improves physical health but also builds confidence in children. It is important that parents work to revive interest in physical activities in their home itself.

Whether male or female, your children will benefit a lot from physical activities like sports, martial arts etc. Participating in physical activities gives sense of confidence to your child and also helps your kid to improve grades in school.

It is the best idea to teach your child the importance of physical activities when they are young. If your child develops physical fitness early then they will build healthy habits for rest of their lives.

There is a myth among some parents that physical activities like outdoor games are nothing more than a distraction for the child. But the importance of the physical fitness for kids should not be ignored because the cost of poor physical health and the declines in mental and emotional health that always accompany unhealthy physical bodies is extreme. Make a fitness schedule for your children and make them head towards healthy living. Inspire your children to learn to live life in a healthy way by doing it yourself. In addition to following a proper fitness regime also consider adopting a healthy diet and nutrition plan that is low in cholesterol and rich in fiber, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. About the Author:

Beau Norgeot is has trained with the U.S. Navy SEALs, Buddhist Monks, Successful Businessmen, and Professional Athletes. As a Success Coach, he teaches children and adults how to become Leaders and reach their potential in life.To learn more visit: http://www.reddragonfl.com

Labels: , , , ,


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Teaching Kids Fitness Training

eCommunity Members Events Forum Chat

Power Vegetables In A Drink
Kids Fitness
Click this now


://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">


Today, kids fitness training is important more so than in years past, because kids do not always have the exercise or healthy meals that they need. This has become a problem with obesity and poor health conditions. Some fitness centers even offer the services of a personal trainer for children.

There is another way to keep kids healthy without spending money on personal trainers and fitness centers. Most recreation departments and schools have programs set up during the year for kids to workout, play group games, and just do things that interest them.

Recreation Department Activities

Recreation departments offer after school, evening, and weekend activities for kids and families. This is the perfect time for kid fitness training to begin. There is no time like the present to start a healthy lifestyle for children. Since kids usually only go to school where they sit in a classroom except for gym class, they may need some extra-curriculum activities where gym teachers work with the child doing some form of fitness training. This may be gymnastics, swimming, or even some sports game such as indoor volleyball, golf lessons, or basketball.

School Programs

Schools recognize the need for kids fitness training and offer activities such as football, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and golf as a way to get them involved with sports and fitness. These activities also require traveling if the kids are performing in sport activities. The children learn responsibly, fitness, and how to eat healthy. They also learn about things in life other than video games, drugs, and drinking.

There is also cheerleading and band for fitness. Most parents do not consider band a fitness program, but it is because the kids have to learn how to breathe properly and practice good posture. Bands also perform for parades and other events that require movement.

Kids Fitness Training Centers

If school programs and recreation department programs are not what you want for your child, you can check with many fitness centers that offer programs for kids. These programs are geared more towards cardio and strength training. They are all monitored and assessed while the kids are enrolled. Children will also receive diet and nutrition advice and learn about lifestyle choices.

Kids will have to keep on a routine to see a life change. Parents also need to be supportive and make sure that they continue to attend sessions.

Karate and Other Type Programs

Karate is another form of fitness training that teaches the kids life values and another form of art. With these programs, the children learn self-discipline, which is needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These programs are beneficial for all kids that need some fitness and discipline in their lives.

As you can see, there are many ways for children to stay healthy. Kids fitness training does not have to mean exercise per say, it can be karate, sports, or even band instead. As with any activity, they have to learn how to be healthy to stay fit.

Dave OSullivan

Written by Dave O'Sullivan Co-Creator of Team NutraFun. For more information visit them at http://www.nutritionalfun.com

http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/teaching-kids-fitness-training-764216.html

Labels: , , , , , , ,


This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?

Subscribe to Posts [Atom]