Looking for exercise program for kids

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Replies

  • I_am_the_Cosmos
    I_am_the_Cosmos Posts: 69 Member

    Is your middle girl hitting puberty? Weight gain is SUPER common around then, and it is also the easiest time to give them a complex, because so much change is going on with them that they can't control, food and excercise can often become something they OVER control.[/quote]

    God I hope not: she's only seven. My 10 year old is built a bit different but has a 'pot belly'. I do NOT make any remarks towards her in any way, as I don't want her getting any sort of complex. She's a great kid and getting near 'that age' and I don't want to hurt her feelings in any way like that.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,615 Member
    I_am_the_Cosmos wrote: »
    Hi,

    Does anyone have any recommendations for exercise programs for kids, specifically girls ages 7 and 10? My older two daughters aren't into sports and don't really DO much of anything. I was hoping for something not too strenuous for a half hour a day to do with them. I'll probably do it with them as I fully believe if it's good enough for them it should be good enough for me.

    Play! Have fun!

    Get them bicycles, ride to the park, play tag, swing on the swings, toss a ball or Frisbee around.
    Take them for walks and hikes to look at things ... maybe take pictures of things.
    Go swimming.

    Get outside and have some fun. :)

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,615 Member
    not_a_runner wrote: »
    They're kids..
    Ride bikes, play outside, go swimming, etc.
    Pushing them to do an "exercise program" might not give the right impression.

    Instead of telling them to eat healthier, perhaps prepare healthier foods in a way that also tastes good?
    Some kids even enjoy getting involved with cooking.

    Yes this!!
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,615 Member
    edited March 2018
    I_am_the_Cosmos wrote: »
    It's actually nice today, but usually winter where I'm at isn't the best time to go bike riding and outdoors. During spring/summer I do try to get them outside, but they don't seem to be big into sports in that way.

    The ten year old already feels she's "too old" for the park per se...

    Get them onto cross-country skis, skates, snowshoes ... try a bunch of things.

    Or there's always sledding. I used to spend all afternoon sledding down a local hill, then climbing back up again, then sledding down and climbing back up again ... that's certainly active! And nobody told me to do it ... I did it because it was so much fun!

  • OHFlamingo
    OHFlamingo Posts: 239 Member
    Riding, bikes, roller skating, hiking, hula hooping with dance movements to music. Do stuff with them, go slow at first, and don't call it exercise. Also, yard work, getting yard spaceready to plant a flower or veggie garden of veggies they like. Set a good example, and make it fun.
  • jo_nz
    jo_nz Posts: 548 Member
    Do you have spare space in your house or garage? Some friends of mine turned part of their garage into a mini dance studio for their girls! Large mirrors, put down some flooring, plus added a stereo.

    Also (another one that needs some space) I have found table tennis to be a bit hit with kids and adults alike. We had one for a while and the kids were having a great time with or without parental support, plus when their friends were there, there was no asking for screens. Sadly, that table was only on loan, but we are looking into getting our own once our current renovation project is complete.
    And it can become a very physical, competitive sport too - I have a niece and nephew who compete and I have watched some of their training and tournaments, and it's pretty full on.
  • urloved33
    urloved33 Posts: 3,323 Member
    swimming,. martial arts, base/softball, rowing..dancing.
  • Jkowals123
    Jkowals123 Posts: 133 Member
    We swim at the YMCA , go to park and they want me to time them running to a tree and back , play soccer in the yard. My 7 year old actually enjoys power walking with me while listening to music. I would love for them to bike more. My oldest is on an elite swim team so works out 1.5 hour 3 x a week in pool. My 7 year old to start soccer soon. Two girls ages 7 and 9.
  • brookekaczor
    brookekaczor Posts: 59 Member
    It might be late for this year but Girls on the Run is a great program for girls
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    jo_nz wrote: »
    Do you have spare space in your house or garage? Some friends of mine turned part of their garage into a mini dance studio for their girls! Large mirrors, put down some flooring, plus added a stereo.

    Also (another one that needs some space) I have found table tennis to be a bit hit with kids and adults alike. We had one for a while and the kids were having a great time with or without parental support, plus when their friends were there, there was no asking for screens. Sadly, that table was only on loan, but we are looking into getting our own once our current renovation project is complete.
    And it can become a very physical, competitive sport too - I have a niece and nephew who compete and I have watched some of their training and tournaments, and it's pretty full on.

    Do you play round robin? That can really get things moving along.
  • gentlygently
    gentlygently Posts: 752 Member
    'It's going to be hard to confront the wife'

    Yep - sure is.

    I suggest you talk with her instead... (oh and offer to help)

    Sorry to point this out but you are coming over as a bit controlling...and hard on everyone around you. (I can do it too...)

    Telling people what to do is rarely the answer....but pursuading them might be. And there are lots of good ideas above, I especially like the approach of the poster who has worked out what motivates her each of her kids/husband.

    And YOU can lead by example on healthy eating and self control - no thanks I'm full, i'll have the fruit not the cake this time, mmm maybe tomorrow I already had sweets today. Can we have boiled not roasted potatoes please. Just the one thanks. I'll make sandwiches lets not waste money on a fatty drive by. I'm mean with the cream cos I love you! Etc.

    It's not all about what is bought by your wife....

    Hope this helps. Good luck.

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