Children’s Fitness: Helping Your Child Stay Active
These days it's probably more common to find a remote, keyboard or video game controller in the hands of a child at play than a ball, glove or earthworm. And because physical activity is so important during the formative years of children's lives, it's crucial to ensure they're getting the exercise they need. Use the Children's Fitness Web Guide to get insight into childhood exercise and tips for getting kids off the couch and into the yard.
Expand All Guide SectionsExercises for Kids
The amount of exercise a child requires is largely dependent upon age, and balance must be struck, ... read more »
Fun Fitness for Kids
Chances are you'll have better luck getting your child moving if there's an element of fun to the activity. Use the sites below to create a plan of fun fitness for kids. Figure out what types of activities are the best fit, get advice on motivating children and find team sports.
Insights for Fun Fitness for Kids
- Children’s gyms provide an opportunity for your child to interact with other kids, learn new skills and play on age-appropriate sports equipment. To find a gym in your city, try checking an online directory such as YellowPages.com.
- For a more extensive list of sports Web sites, see the findingDulcinea Sports Web Guide.
- Although the recommendation for 60 minutes of activity a day can seem overwhelming, remember that it doesn’t have to be done all at once. According to the Weight-control Information Network, activities can be broken into five- and 10-minute blocks throughout the day.
- To find independent sports leagues for children near you, check your local newspaper’s sports section. Or type your town’s name and the kind of youth sport you’re looking for in your favorite search engine.
Top Sites for Fun Fitness for Kids
To help children select the right activities …
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
presents "BAM! Body and Mind," a site that aims to teach kids how to make healthy life decisions. Explore activities to find what you might like best, or introduce kids to more than 30 activities with the Activity Cards.
Mayo Clinic
has an article that suggests sporting activities appropriate for children of all ages. Find organized sports and backyard activities arranged by age group.
Kidnetic.com
motivates children and teenagers to be healthy by encouraging healthy diet and exercise habits. Look for unique fitness activities, or test your abilities in front of the computer using the Fitness Challenge.
For ideas about exercise incentives …
Mayo Clinic
has an article called “Fitness for Kids: Getting your children off the couch.” Learn ways for parents to encourage children to be naturally active, rather than emphasizing exercise.
Way Cool Running
has a number of tips for parents to get their children involved in running. Find tips for distance, duration and training. Also learn how often a child should run, how to start and how to prevent injuries.
KidsHealth
has advice for parents whose children don’t like team sports. Explore the list of reasons why children may not want to participate, and discover ways to respond to those concerns.
For children's sports leagues …
Little League Online
is the official home of Little League baseball and softball. Use the site to find local leagues and access useful player, parent, coach, umpire, league official and media information.
Pop Warner
is the largest youth football and cheerleading organization in the country. Find a directory of leagues, news and articles, and a photo gallery.
U.S. Youth Soccer
is a nonprofit organization that works to foster the growth and development of children through the sport of soccer. Visit the site for information that caters to players, coaches, parents, referees and administrators.
Nutrition for Kids
Physical fitness is about more than just exercise—it’s about good nutrition. In today's ... read more »
Fitness for Children With Special Needs
Children with disabilities face unique challenges, but in many instances they can still participate ... read more »
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