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Why is it So Hard to Get Some Kids Involved in Physical Exercise? |
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A few decades ago, the only available entertainment for kids was to play outdoors or take part in various indoor activities. There were no video games and no DVDs so rather than kids wanting to spend all day as a couch potato, they enjoyed playing actively outdoors much more.
A lot of children's games are active enough to count as physical exercise. Whether they are kicking a ball around, running with a pet dog or playing tag with their friends, these are great ways to keep fit and stay in shape.
So what is the problem?
The main reason it is so difficult to get kids involved in physical exercise comes down to the world they live in. It is natural for kids to want what their friends have and if their best friend has a PlayStation with a selection of the top games, they aren't going to take kindly to having to take physical exercise instead of sitting around and enjoying this machine.
Kids often view physical exercise as a chore or punishment, rather than something fun. A game of hopscotch or baseball outdoors is seen as second best when compared to watching the latest DVD or playing the newest video game. Since a lot of children are raised differently now, physical exercise in whatever form barely crosses their minds.
Another problem is that obesity in children is on the increase. A child carrying excess weight and having to do a sport will be nervous about being teased because of his size or worried about not being able to keep up with other kids.
How can you get kids interested?
Kids want to do things which seem like fun. There are kids' clubs in many neighborhoods so find out what your child is interested in. If he wants to try martial arts, how about judo or karate? If soccer is his thing, maybe there is a junior team in your area. This is also a great way for your child to make new friends.
Physical exercise doesn't have to be a boring activity. A game of baseball or flying a kite counts as physical exercise. Throwing a Frisbee or helping to paint the garage are physical exercises.
Physical exercise is compulsory in most schools and kids usually try out different sports and activities there. If a child dislikes physical exercise at school, either because the activities on offer don't appeal or because they are bullied or teased about being unfit or overweight, this dislike of physical exercise can remain with him, even into his adult life.
Children get bored quickly and if the activity in question is boring, they won't want to do it. Everyone needs to take some form of physical exercise to stay fit and healthy and the great thing is that there are so many different activities these days to choose from. There are computerized exercise machines, ice skating rinks, martial arts clubs and many more.
Too many kids equate physic exercise with "something boring" rather than one of the many exciting activities they could do instead, for fun as well as to gain fitness, stamina and stay in shape. If you can make physical exercise fun for kids, they will see it in a very different light.
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