How to Get (and keep) Your Kids
Active This Summer
By Dona Wilson
Fitness Together Rancho Bernardo
Blog: RB Fitness
We don’t need mounds of research and piles of statistics to tell us that childhood obesity is on the rise. With advancements in technology growing everyday, our kids are plugged in, tuned out and logged on to play Halo 3. More and more we, and our children, have slowly become inactive and in need of structured active time – and summer is no different.
Dona Wilson, local fitness expert and owner of one-on-one private personal training studio Fitness Together Rancho Bernardo and Escondido, adamantly agrees. “Yes, we are busy, and yes, our kids do need a break from school and homework this summer, but that doesn’t mean they need to turn into couch potatoes. After all, recess and play were invented as a fun break from the mental labor of school. With this mindset, helping your kids get active this summer can be fun, not arduous,” remarks Dona.
First Dona recommends getting outside with your kids. “Getting out in the sunshine and breathing in the fresh air is invigorating.” Dona also suggests a great place for parents and kids to have fun and be active, is with water. “When going away on a family vacation I always recommend someplace with water; a pool, beach, or lake. This way, not only can the kids stay active with swimming and water games but together as a family you can do relays on the beach, run, jog or play games in the sand” suggests Dona.
However, if rising gas prices keep you at home this summer, no problem, Dona says you can get active at home just as easily. “Have your kids help you with the housework, in the garden or with the yard work. Don’t forget, our sunny San Diego home is a year-round vacation spot and perfect for simply taking a walk or bike ride together.”
Dona also recommends limiting video game and electronics time this summer and considering enrolling your kids in some structured active time like a summer surf, horseback riding, or dance camp, even one on one time with a personal trainer is a good idea. “We have had kids as young as twelve workout with us; we even put together a special fun workout program for them. You just need to ensure your kids are getting ‘unplugged’ and getting active this summer and if you can spend time with them by getting active together, that’s just the icing on the cake.”
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