The number of American children who are overweight has been steadily increasing since the 1970s. The CDC reports that 17% of children aged two to 19 years old are now considered overweight, and the trend is continuing upward (April, 2006). Keep your child healthy and active by giving her a gift that promotes physical activity.
Model Healthy Habits with Outdoor Sports Gear
The American Heart Association recommends that parents model healthy habits for their children. Buying small outdoor equipment that the entire family can use is a wonderful way to comply with this recommendation. Find an activity that interests you so that you can successfully motivate your family to join you on regular weekend outings. Then purchase the appropriate paraphernalia for the entire family. Snowshoes, skis, snowboards, bicycles, or rollerblades are all great choices. If you have a tight budget, select a more modest gift. Soccer balls and basketballs are cheaper gifts, yet they still offer hours of active, family fun.
Children Exercise When they Have Outdoor Equipment
Children love to be outside, playing with their friends. A scooter, hula hoop, jump rope, hockey stick, and the ever-popular RipStik will all get your child moving. Alternatively, if you have a young competitor, consider purchasing a goal to hit that soccer ball or hockey puck into. A basketball net that adjusts for height is another nice option that will grow with your child.
Gym, Fitness, and Mommy and Me Classes Guarantee Consistent Exercise
Sometimes people need an appointment to make exercise happen. Children are no different. Consider active classes that your child may enjoy. Swimming, tennis, dance, Karate, and soccer classes give children a weekly date with exercise. Taking part in structured lessons will also teach them basic sports skills, giving them the confidence they may need to join impromptu games at the playground or in a friend's backyard.
Toddlers can enjoy fitness classes as well. Mommy and Me classes are abundant, offering everything from swimming to gymnastics classes. These classes have an added bonus for the parent: they provide parents with an opportunity to bond with their children as the children discover their bodies and how to move them.
Help Children Lose Weight with Exercise Gifts
Gifts that encourage children to discover and move their bodies promote health and build self-confidence. Purchase a class, sports gear, or outdoor equipment for your child. These gifts put physical activity at your child's fingertips, making it easy and fun to exercise.
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Christine Harmon - Christine Harmon is a published author, trainer, and mommy obsessed with health, fitness, and all that makes the body work ...
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