Six tips on how to raise your kids to love exercise

Want to get the kids off the couch? Well, it may not be easy but it can be done.

With so many digital games and activities that don’t require much movement, who can blame them? Getting them outside to play can be a task and putting a ban on gadgets and devices may not be the way to go.

You don’t want them to become rebellious neither do you want them growing up unfit and unhealthy. So, the key here would be to make physical exercise just as exciting as the video games they are obsessed with.

Keeping them moving will improve their mood, overall health, maintain a healthy BMI, reduce the risk of certain diseases and help them sleep better and quicker.

To get them exercising at an early age here is how you can influence them into loving it:

Fun is the language kids understand. Look for an activity or sport they will enjoy and this way you will never have to force them to do it.

If you must turn on the music, get them new bikes or carry their favorite snacks to enjoy after a long walk in the park this will encourage them to engage in those activities more. Let there be a driving force behind the exercise.

Monkey see, monkey do literally describe kids. They mimic habits and if they see you working out, they are more likely to start doing it without being coerced.

Do so while enjoying yourself and they will want to join you. Encourage them and do it as a family activity. This will instill that culture and behavior in your children and chances of them staying active throughout their lives is quite high.

Household chores like washing, tidying up or even taking the dog for a walk require some movement and those are great ways to get them moving.

Use incentives such as allowances or treats to get them interested. This will lessen your housework while getting them to stay fit.

Invest in skipping ropes, balls, roller blades and other sports equipment that will keep your children on their feet.

Tag them along for shopping so they can pick what they like and by involving them, they will feel that their opinions and needs are valued and they will take up exercise seriously.

Exercise doesn’t have to be strictly one form, use games like basketball, football, hopscotch or biking to get them working out.

Kids enjoy games and playing with them will even make it more exciting and fun for them. Make this a daily habit or a weekend thing where the family plays games together as a way of bonding.

Sometimes parents forget they are dealing with children and can push things a little too hard. If you notice they are feeling pain or no longer enjoying it, slow down and don’t force it.

Take a break and look for other activities your kids will enjoy. Exercise should not hurt.