How Do We Get Children to Participate in Kids Fitness Classes?

Pediatric exercise scientist Avery Faigenbaum coined the term Unfitness Epidemic referring to the catastrophic problem we are facing in the United States of children being sedentary and subsequently overweight.  We must find a way to get our children motivated to participate in kids fitness classes where they can learn to have fun and exercise.

Statistics show that less that 33% of children ages 6 to 17 get physical activity on a regular basis. A regular basis means roughly 20 minute sessions of exercise that gets their heart rate up, makes them sweat and breathe heavy.  In order to get the majority of our children up and moving and fit we need to capitalize on whatever time we have with them during school hours which are not dedicated to the classroom. It is easy to devise a program of exercise that would be tailored to children that only lasts 20 to 30 minutes and easy to keep them excited about doing the kids fitness classes by incorporating games, motivation and teaching to their level. 

Recess is often overlooked as an opportunity to get our children fit.  Yes they are outside (or at least active indoors) but is the time being spent wisely?  My daughter loves recess because she sits with her friends and invents songs and hair styles. Sure, that's wonderful and certainly promotes social skills but studies show that children who expend energy throughout the day do better when they are back in their seats studying.  School recess isn't just playtime; it's a golden opportunity to boost children's fitness.

How Do We Maximize the Benefits of Recess?

In order to maximize the benefits of recess, adults need to participate and make it fun. We don't want the thrill of recess to be replaced by the rigidity of PE so we need to get them active and enjoying it. This may just make the difference between a child who perceives fitness as a lifestyle and one who sees it as a chore.  A healthy goal of fitness for children should be to make it a part of their lifestyle fromo a young age. We don't want kids to feel they have to exercise because they are fat, we want kids to exercise because it is healthy and vital to their bodies for the rest of their lives.

You may be wondering why we are talking about recess instead of PE?  Well in most schools physical education classes are only offered two times per week whereas recess is daily. Some great ways to engage children in recess fun activities that will replace the idea of forced exercise with game play are (depending on age of course):

•    Kick Ball
•    Dodge Ball
•    Red Rover
•    Relay Races
•    Duck Duck Goose
•    Freeze Tag
•    Musical Chairs

It is easy to get a child to play, it's what they do given the chance and direction. Adults just need to get involved and have fun with them.