Physical exercise is fundamental to living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. This is true not only for adults but kids too. However, keeping kids active on the weekend can be tricky.

Why should kids get active?

Encouraging children to be active from a young age helps set good habits and develop lifelong skills. There are many health benefits of regular exercise including:

  • Helping with growth and development
  • Boosting confidence
  • Building strong bones and muscles
  • Improving cardiovascular fitness
  • Improving posture
  • Reducing stress
  • Developing new skills
  • Honing coordination
  • Fostering friendships and bonding

How to keep kids active on the weekends?

Keeping the kids active on weekends can sometimes be a struggle. Here are some quick tips to help get your little ones moving.

1. Make movement a habit

Set family exercise goals for the weekend and stick to it for a month to create a healthy habit. In no time it will feel second nature.

These goals could be  just going for a quick afternoon walk around the neighbourhood to finding a new hiking trail every weekend.

2. Join sports teams

Team sports are an excellent way to get little bodies moving as well as forming friendships and personal skills. While they offer great opportunity for exercise, don’t assume your kids are getting enough exercise from this alone.

It’s easy to fall into a trap of thinking that because Jimmy spent Saturday at soccer he received enough physical exercise for the day. Factor in what positions they play within the teams and the amount of time they are actually on field.

3. Get every family member involved

Be a good role model and get the whole family involved! Making exercise enjoyable for kids is one of the best ways to foster a positive life-long relationship with working out.

Family fitness can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it. A quick bike ride, swimming, mountain climbing or a dance party in the living room are all great places to start.

4. Sneak in some incidental exercise

As well as having fun with physical exercise, incidental exercise is a great way to get kids moving. This can include:

  • Asking them to help carry the shopping bags.
  • Parking further away from the entrance/your destination.
  • Taking the stairs instead of a lift or escalator.