Childhood obesity is increasing at a rapid rate. According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 (19%) of children in the United States are obese. Children with obesity have a higher risk of developing other diseases and chronic health conditions, such as asthma, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease. Childhood Obesity Week (July 3 – 9th) provides a chance to learn more about this serious health condition, share messages to promote healthy growth, and prevent obesity in children.
Modeling and partaking in a healthy lifestyle is one thing parents can do to set their kids up to thrive in life. The more active children and families are, the less likely they are to develop serious health conditions.
“Get Moving” to your destination
One of the easiest but most overlooked ways to increase activity is to walk, bike, rollerblade, scooter, or skateboard to your destination; instead of driving or using public transit. Choose at least one regular destination to switch to an active form of transportation, whether traveling home from school, walking to your neighborhood park, or going to the grocery store.
Play a Sport
Choose a sport – tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, or any sport – that keeps you moving; get out and play! Switching the activity up often will keep everyone interested and work different muscles. It’s also a great way to teach your kids about teamwork.
Have a Dance Contest
Kids love to see their parents acting silly. What better way to burn some of those calories off and show your moves than having a dance contest? Let your kids pick the music, and you will be sure to have a “grooving” time.
Make Commercials Workout Time
Instead of running to the kitchen to grab a snack, use this time to sneak in a few stomach crunches or pushups (modified for children). Try to increase the number of exercises each time there is a commercial break. Even better, make it a competition and see who can do the most of each exercise.
Sign up for a Charity Walk/Run
Charity walks, and runs are a win-win for everyone. You and your family will train for the event and also have the satisfaction of knowing you are doing something for a good cause. Make sure the distance is one that all family members can participate in. There’s nothing like crossing the finish line hand in hand with your child and knowing you started and finished something together.
When you decide to become fit as a family, you’ll gain much more than healthier children. Use fitness to bond, have fun, and engage more in your community.
Original Article by Abbey D’Costa – August 26, 2013
Updated Article by Alex Gawel – June 30, 2023
References:
(2011). Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ObesityAndKids/
https://baysport.com/blog/raising-a-fit-family/
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/childhood-obesity/
Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-family-riding-bicycles-7982160/
About the author:
Abbey D’Costa is a BaySport Corporate Fitness Program Manager. As Program Manager, she is responsible for all aspects of her client’s onsite fitness center, including group fitness, personal training, incentive programming, and health education. Abbey’s career in fitness began ten years ago as a group fitness instructor teaching a variety of formats for health clubs in the local area. Recently she acquired her personal trainer certification. She enjoys running and spending time with her family.
