8 Ways To Motivate Your Child To Exercise

Motivate your child to exercise to help them grow, develop, and thrive.

As in the case of our modern society, many children are not as active today as they should be. Encouraging physical activity for your child in today’s digital age can be a bit difficult. Nowadays, children often are engrossed in digital screens (mostly mobiles and tablets) rather than actively engaging in outdoor play.

Here are several techniques to work with your children and aid them in uncovering the advantages of routine physical activity. By doing so, we can transform an activity that might have seemed burdensome into a shared, enjoyable experience.

Regular physical activity is a must for children as they grow.

It’s true! Regular physical activity, such as exercising, has many benefits and is vital for ensuring the strength and well-being of young bodies. Through exercise, children not only maintain a healthy weight but also foster the growth of their muscles, bones, and coordination. Furthermore, engaging in physical activity can effectively alleviate stress levels and enhance cardiovascular health.

Multiple studies and extensive research consistently demonstrate the positive correlation between regular exercise during childhood and a reduced likelihood of developing health complications in later stages of life.

What is a sedentary lifestyle? Does it really contribute to the development of health problems?

Sedentary lifestyles are often a part of childhood and adolescence. Kids don’t have adult schedules.

Typically students can get very busy and be consumed with their academic and social life and extracurricular commitments and won’t have time to do some exercise. So when this happens, as a parent you should motivate your child to exercise and continuously stay active.

Being continuously active is a preventive measure against health issues such as childhood obesity, diabetes, and in worse cases, heart disease.

1) Set a good example.

Set a good example for them by exercising yourself. When children see how enjoyable exercise can be and understand its significance in maintaining good health, they are more likely to engage in physical activity themselves.

2) Use positive reinforcement.

Reward good behaviour with praise when they achieve their goals.

Encourage them in their efforts at every opportunity (even when it may not seem like much). Kids need validation from their parents more than anything else to keep up with new routines and lifestyle changes.

3) Find activities that match your child’s interests.

Help them devise creative ways of staying active outside of school or extracurricular activities, such as joining an organised sports team or taking dance classes together at a local studio or YMCA facility near your home.

Let them choose activities they enjoy doing and want to do more of.

4) Exercise as a family

Studies show that parents involved with their children’s fitness were more likely to become active. Plus, it allows you to teach healthy child habits that will last a lifetime.

While playing sports with your children may seem like the most obvious approach to encourage an active lifestyle, there are various other strategies you can utilise as well. For example, you can incorporate parts of your favourite sports into an all-family game. Basketball becomes a fun game of catch for the whole family! You can also make exercise fun by adding some competition, whether racing or a contest over who can do the most squats in ten minutes.

Have fun as a family when you go walking or bike riding together. The whole family can do this together without feeling like they are not getting enough individual attention. Make it a team effort.

Exercise can also bring you closer as a family, teach your children responsibility, and give them a sense of accomplishment.

5) Keep it fun

Keep the mood light. Remember, you’re trying to get your kids to exercise regularly and enjoy it. Keep the mood fun by exercising with your children or making it a sibling competition.

6) Practice what you preach

Your example will encourage them to exercise and set a good example for practising healthy habits in other areas of life. If your child sees that you’re eating well and exercising, they’ll be more likely to adopt these behaviours.

A few simple ways to practice what you preach include:

• Eating well and limiting junk food and sweets.
• Exercising regularly yourself
• Model the behaviour you want to see in your child. For example, if you want your kid to get plenty of sleep, ensure your child sees you getting plenty of sleep yourself.
• Telling them stories about how exercising makes you feel good
• Get your child active early.

8) Make exercise a habit

Motivation is essential when helping your child get into a healthy exercise routine, but consistency is an essential part of this equation.

There’s an old saying by Jim Ryun: “Motivation is what gets you started; habit is what keeps you going.”

Try starting small. Maybe a once-a-week walk or jog, gradually building on that over time. The key is to try different things and see what sticks.

If your child likes playing outdoors, consider getting a dog they can walk or joining a local sports team together.

Perhaps when the children are a bit older, you can ask them if they want to run or work out with you in the mornings.

If they prefer things like video games or TV, try finding a video game that involves moving around or an exercise show for them to do along with.

If you really want to help your child, your most favourable option would be to guide them in selecting something that ignites their motivation and encourage them to give it a try!

Conclusion

It is within your power to influence your children’s perception of exercise and instil in them a sense of motivation.

We sincerely hope that you find value in the comprehensive list of activities provided, which aims to promote the awareness and advantages of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

You have the power to shape your child’s perspective on exercise and instil the drive to stay active. Start today!