Disclaimer: This was a hypothetical blog post I created as a writing sample for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
We know that keeping kids physically active is incredibly beneficial and important to their health. Even the children that are involved in multiple activities throughout the year have difficulty keeping active in the winter months.
Regardless of the weather, kids need physical activity to help them stay healthy. Children and adolescents ages 6-17 need an hour or more of physical activity per day. This includes aerobic activity and appropriate muscle-building activities, like pushups, jumping rope, and running. Helping kids stay active can help promote a healthy weight and mitigate health issues later in life.
Play Outside
Winter does not have to mean quarantine until the weather breaks. Bundling up is key to keeping the family warm and happy when playing outside in the winter. Dress in layers, wear waterproof boots, warmer socks than usual, hats, mittens or gloves. By moving, playing outside and getting your heart rate up, the kids will be getting exercise and staying warm. Encourage your kids to play at the park, play basketball, or be with friends outdoors.
Indoor Classes
If you’re looking into getting your kids into something engaging and constant, enroll them in a class at your local community center. This is a great way to get them to try something new, meet other kids, and be active with new friends. Trying new activities gives kids a way to figure out what they like. This could lead to more permanent sports for them throughout the year.
Workout and Game
If your kids love video games, integrate physical activity at the same time. While it’s not as beneficial as playout outside, there are gaming systems that offer family-oriented options to get the whole family active indoors. Video games like Wii Sports offer tennis, swimming, boxing and other high-intensity games that can be enjoyed with the whole family. Starting a new sport in a video game could translate into them taking up other non-gaming sports locally.
Family Skating
Winter is prime time for ice skating, but if you want to avoid the cold try roller skating. Skating offers many benefits. In addition to being fun, it works muscles in the legs, glutes, and core, while burning about 600 calories an hour. It also causes 50% less stress to the joints than running, while improving flexibility and endurance. Skating is a great option that the whole family can get involved in.
Exercise Videos for Kids
If getting out to a community center class, is harder for your family, try exercise videos for kids. There are hundreds of free options for kids on YouTube, and websites like GoNoodle.com. For older children, there are websites like Darebee.com, FitnessBlender.com, and other YouTube options.
Variety is important to make exercise fun, this is especially true for kids. When kids are enjoying their exercise, they’re more likely to continue with it over time. Offer as many options for activity as you can. Trying new sports and activities as a family will benefit you and your kids; health. Get out and get active this winter!
This blog post is part of #MIKidsCan, an initiative created by Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan to promote positive change in the health and well-being of Michigan youth. To learn more about the campaign, visit http://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/mikidscan.
Nina Knauf 