It is not news that exercise has health benefits. Most people are aware that exercise can reduce your risk of chronic illness, help maintain a healthy weight, and even help you sleep better at night. Adults are filling up the gyms in an attempt to reclaim their health and their lost youth. However, we rarely think of kids and organized exercise. Kids are active and always playing so often times exercise is overlooked. Gym class in school only goes to the 9th grade and often it is not daily. While the problem of childhood obesity is on the rise and there are campaigns centered on playing an hour a day, we are not seeing a rise in kids and teens working out.
Young people are at as much risk as adults when it comes to obesity. Young people suffer from poor self esteem issues, have an increased rate of diabetes, and poor overall health. Serious problems that have a simple answer; exercise. Teens who work out even a few times a week get a boost of self esteem which manifests in better grades and attitude. Exercise slashes the risk of type 2 diabetes in young people. In addition, a change for the positive in overall health is seen from better focus to better sleep to stronger bones.
If your child is resistant to exercise you may want to try organized sports or an activity such as karate, fencing, or even geocaching, as a form of exercise. Have your teen take the dog for daily walks. Even assigning chores like vacuuming, mopping, mowing the lawn, or gardening. Go on walks together, take up an active hobby together, or take your kid with you when you work out. Getting and staying healthy is a family matter and best done when families work together.