Get Your Kids Up And Off The Couch To Avoid Childhood Obesity

Studies have shown that the numbers of overweight and obese children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate. If you don't want your child to become a statistic then you need to take action to get them up off the couch and moving around.

Almost a third of American children over the age of two are now considered to be overweight or obese, and if one parent is obese then there is a 50 percent chance that his or her children will be too.

To avoid your kids turning into couch potatoes you need to take action while they are small to get them interested in exercise and sport. Here are some simple steps you can take to get them moving.

1. Limit lunch-time clubs

These days there seems to be a lunch-time club for everything, acting, languages, computer club. All of these are wonderful ways to expand your child's education, but unfortunately they take place indoors and are often sedentary activities.

Make sure your kids have at least two days a week free of clubs so they can get out in the fresh air and run around.

2. Ditch the car

If you live within walking distance of the school then set your alarm clocks a little earlier, leave the car at home and walk to school. The walk to and from school is a great way for your kids to get exercise without even thinking about it. And if they are old enough to go alone it's a great time for them to spend time with their friends.

3. Investigate some out of the ordinary sports

Some kids are just born sporty and will beg to go to football, soccer, basketball and tennis classes. But if yours aren't interested in mainstream sports you might want to consider something a little out of the ordinary like Marshall Arts. Not only will they get a great workout but it's a wonderful confidence booster too.

4. Don't let the rain stop play

If the weather is wet and windy it's all too tempting to curl up on the couch with a movie. When it's wet outside take advantage of indoor sports clubs and children's gyms to make sure the family stays active.

5. Make it a family affair

Your children are more likely to enjoy being active if you exercise as a family. You could sign up for a family membership at the gym, or even just spend time outdoors on a weekend walking, playing frisbee, or even a game of baseball or rounders with your neighbours.

Whatever you decide to do just make sure you take a little time out each and every day to get your kids off that couch and on their feet, and stop them becoming a statistic.

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