| How much aerobic exercise does your child get on a | | | | bit of running if you feel up to it! Play games with your |
| weekly basis? Well it could be a lot more than you | | | | children by shouting "First one to the big tree at the |
| think. Children have fun with aerobic exercise on a daily | | | | end" and sprinting off into the distance. When you look |
| basis while in the playground at meal and break times. | | | | behind you, they will be chasing you with a big smile on |
| However this should not be your child's only source of | | | | their faces. Cycling is a low impact exercise that is fine |
| physical activity, as they need regular exercise to keep | | | | for children of any age, as it supports the body leading |
| them healthy. | | | | to good posture. As well as being an aerobic exercise, |
| Research and numerous studies have put the amount | | | | cycling is also a great strength builder. Vary the school |
| of time needed for exercise at between 40 and 90 | | | | run by cycling instead of walking, this will help to break |
| minutes daily. Most have settled on an average of 60 | | | | the monotony of the same daily routine. When cycling |
| minutes as the recommended guideline amount for | | | | always remember that you and your family should |
| daily physical exercise. It is also shown that children | | | | wear well fitting cycle helmets for your own safety. |
| who actively participate in physical exercise at a | | | | Swimming is a great all rounder that the whole family |
| younger age tend to carry this through to adulthood. | | | | can enjoy. You can make "proper swimming" more |
| Making exercise fun is a great way of encouraging | | | | fun by challenging your children to races to see who |
| your children to get active. Aim to be a positive role | | | | can do the fastest lengths. Playing games is much |
| model by involving the whole family in activities that | | | | more tiring in the pool and is a great way to boost |
| you can all enjoy together. Aerobic exercise is perfect | | | | your child's fitness. Regular games such as water polo |
| for adults as well as children, as it gives the body a | | | | are great fun but have you ever tried playing tag in a |
| great cardio workout. Keeping your child's body healthy | | | | swimming pool? Just playing games in the park or |
| will also help to keep their minds focused and upbeat. | | | | back garden is great fun and just as healthy. Kicking a |
| Walking is a great way to begin your new exercise | | | | football around or playing bat and ball is great aerobic |
| regime. Whether you just change your routine and | | | | activity. Involving the whole family or your child's friends |
| walk to and from school or get geared up at the | | | | will make exercise a fun experience. This feeling of |
| weekends for long hikes on the hills. Up the tempo | | | | happiness and togetherness will help to boost your |
| when you walk by brisk walking or jogging, maybe a | | | | child's interest in aerobic exercise. |