A family that exercises is usually brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Having fun and staying healthy happen automatically. Helping your family remain active is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

Do it together

Turn activity sessions into workout capsules for your family. Encourage children to join you in simple cardio exercises like jumps and arm swings, or take the stairs rather than the lift. Every extra activity burns unwanted calories, keeping children safe from the scourge of childhood obesity that leads to chronic illnesses and disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Observe!

Every child is unique. Does yours have a special liking for a certain type of exercise? Does she dislike certain exercises? Build on positives. If your child runs well in short bursts, she may be more comfortable with sprints than with long distance running. Some active children can skip 100 times without a falter while they find toe-touches boring. So, give your child more of what she enjoys.

Set a routine

Although you may be tempted to sleep until late over weekends, rising early and going outdoors for a walk or run makes you feel better and helps you fight Monday morning blues. Is your child too busy during the week to spend half an hour outdoors in the morning? What about an after-school tennis session or an evening swims? Set a routine and stick with it.

Travel time fun

While planning your travel vacations, try to find destinations which offer simple adventure sports that all of you can enjoy together. Take sporting equipment along, and enjoy the outdoors as much as you can.

Choose the right activities

However much your child may love sports and exercise, it is necessary to introduce variety. If you are not much of a sports person, reach out for advice. Make sure you get pointers from the right person because wrong advice can harm your child.

Jogs, swimming, racquet sports like badminton, tennis and table tennis and team games like cricket will keep your child interested in sports before which you could insert a session of warm-up exercises.

– Benita Sen

Also read: Boost family fitness with traditional rope skipping