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Hidden Benefits
More Reasons to Keep Your Tweens and Teens Active By Gina Roberts-Grey
Physical activity comes in many forms. From playing soccer on an organized team to mowing the lawn or skateboarding, there are numerous avenues for children to pursue activity. Turning off the television, iPod and MP3 players, mobile communication devices and video games is the best place to begin. Encouraging your child to join you on a 30-minute walk with the family dog or through your neighborhood sets the tone that you're committed to keeping everyone's blood pumping.
Although most noteworthy results of Nelson and Larsen's survey were associated with children who engaged in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week, health experts urge parents to incorporate any type of physical activity in their adolescent's life. "Anything to get your children moving is beneficial," says Forester.
Suggest you and your shy or less athletically inclined child take tennis, golf or swim lessons together. Guide an outgoing child who needs motivation toward practicing jump shots in the driveway or routinely roller blading with a friend. Agreeing to make time for family bike rides, trips to the health club or on the treadmill help your child stay active regardless of weather, schedule or household obligations. Lifting free weights together in the basement, playing catch or watching your kids skateboard in the driveway gives them the chance to enjoy being active.
"Making exercise fun can be a great tool," says personal trainer and fitness consultant Sincere Hogan of Houston, Texas. Give your children a goal to work toward. Taking a walk every day during the week can earn a tween a sleep-over or a teen use of the car. Ask your child for suggestions to incorporate more physical activity in your family's lives. "Children often have terrific ideas to combine exercise with fun," says Hogan. You'll give your child the chance to contribute his opinions on exercising and create an empowering environment for your child to keep his mind, body and spirit active, healthy and strong.