5 creative ways to promote physical fitness in kids

The importance of physical exercise cannot be ignored. A healthy and active body is crucial for the overall development of a student. A physically fit child can grasp concepts, stay attentive and retain information much more efficiently. There are plenty of activities that promote fitness in kids such as sports, dance, swimming, trekking and so on. Since kids generally have lower attention spans, they might not indulge in exercises that seem boring. To develop a long-term fitness habit in your kids, try to pick activities that are fun. Here are 5 creative ways to promote physical fitness in kids.

Plan picnics that involve walking
Activities that involve physical fitness for preschoolers can be challenging to plan. One of the best ways to make it fun is to go on picnics that involve lots of walking. You could pack some snacks and head to a park with lots of green space. If parks are not common in your locality, you can either look for similar alternatives or drive to the outskirts of your city.

Organise a dance competition at home
There is a chance that your kid might enjoy a physical activity if there is a reward in the end. For instance, organising a dance-off at home at the end of which they get cool stickers, snacks or their favourite meal is a great idea. Get involved with them to plan costumes, practice moves and clear out a space for their performance. For shy kids, having the parent be a part of the event can help make them feel at ease.

Get hula hoops
Hula hoops are challenging to use, especially for kids and this can keep them engaged for longer. They are fun to use and provide a range of physical fitness benefits. They help improve balance, work out the entire body and are perfect to involve the entire family. This way your kid doesn’t feel left out and everyone can partake in the fun of tackling a hula hoop. Use this to create a family-bonding time where you keep your phones aside, play fun music and just get competitive.

Encourage physical education in school
Schools are better equipped to engage students in a range of physical activities. Physical exercises for students can range from sports such as badminton, cricket or football, to swimming, trekking and so on. Physical games for kids can be altered to suit their age group and interests. A regular physical education period in school can help prevent diseases, improve your child’s mental health, encourage teamwork, boost self-esteem and accelerate brain development. The benefits of physical activity are incomparable when it comes to your child’s overall development in the long run.

Make their food fun
Healthy food is rarely fun, especially for kids. However, a balanced diet is essential to boost their physical as well as mental development. The importance of healthy food for students cannot be underestimated since their bodies are still growing. Try to get creative in the kitchen - cut fruits up in fun shapes, mix up colourful vegetables or mix them up in their favourite recipes. Try to introduce them to more fruits and vegetables and gradually let them choose their favourites from a food group. Lastly, kids generally model their parents’ actions. So show them how you enjoy certain healthy foods so they feel tempted to try them too.

Conclusion
The benefits of physical exercise cannot be ignored, especially when you have a growing child. However, it’s no secret that children may not always want to engage in physical activity, especially the ones that feel boring to them. This may be more so in the case of teenagers who prefer being hooked to their phones. However, the key to getting your kids to work out and eat well is to walk their talk. You need to understand their preferences and adjust the workouts and meals to suit them. This makes working out fun for them and they don’t feel bored or disinterested while doing it.

The Podar Education Network encourages a healthy lifestyle for students. Visit our website to know more about our physical education classes and diet regimen for students.