Don’t let the winter chill keep your children from staying active
this season. Physical activity is necessary for a child’s physical
and mental development, and will help create healthy habits into adulthood.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children get
60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. This may sound like
a lot, but children do not have to get this at one time. There are many
activities kids can incorporate into their daily life that many may not
think of as “exercise”.
We couldn’t possibly talk about kids being indoors without talking
about video games. New active video game systems include: XBOX 360 Kinect,
Playstation Move and Nintendo Wii. Active video games allow kids to be
the controller. Whether they are an athlete, dancer, or UFC Fighter these
games allow kids to get the recommended amount of physical activity they
need for the day. And the best part is kids are having fun and don’t
realize they are exercising.
“Another way kids can have fun indoors is dancing,” said CVMC
Child Health/Safety Specialist Kayla Hefner. “Create a fun playlist,
turn the music up and let loose!”
If you want to get the kids out of the house for a bit take them to a local
gym to go swimming, play indoor basketball, and see what programs they
have to offer kids. Staying at home for the day? Kids have to sit all
day at school, so while at home create TV breaks. During a commercial
break, get up and get moving doing simple exercises such as: jogging in
place, squats, sit ups and jumping jacks.
As you can see, there are many fun ways to keep kids active. The best way
to get kids moving while stuck indoors is to jump up and be active with
them. I encourage you to find activities the entire family can have fun
with and stay active and healthy this cold winter season.