According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, an organization focused on youth health since 1956, “Children spend more than seven and a half hours a day in front of a screen (e.g., TV, videogames, computer) and only one in three children is physically active every day.”

Those are some alarming statistics. But, together, we can change them. The key is to find ways to incorporate physical fitness into your child’s life. When you see exercise as a part of your life and as something fun and engaging rather than a chore, you’re more likely to do it—the same principle applies to adults, too.

For kids—particularly those under 10—the exercise we want to encourage isn’t done through intense circuit training, lifting weights or spending time on a treadmill. The key for kids to become physically active is to incorporate it into something they already do naturally…PLAY.

Get Sporty
Making fitness a game is one of the easiest ways to engage your children. They can participate in an official sports program (swimming, tennis, basketball, etc.), or you can find your own fun with a simple game of chase in your yard or a family soccer match. You can also turn a nearby park into an obstacle course. Kids will love seeing how fast they can complete it. Fun is the motivation; fitness is the result.

Get Outside
This is the Natural State. Simply ride your bike or take a walk outside as a family. You can create a ritual, before or after dinner. This is the perfect time to find out about your family’s day, plan for the day ahead, or even go over spelling words. On weekends, go for a longer walk and make it a scavenger hunt.

Get Creative
Instead of sitting on the couch watching TV, turn on some music and have a dance party. Do your kids like to draw? Why not take that sidewalk chalk and teach them the classic game of hopscotch? Speaking of classic games and toys, a hula hoop is like an all-in-one piece of fitness equipment. You can spin it, pass it, roll it, create a jumping game with it, or use it as the target in a bean bag or Frisbee toss.

Get Enrolled in a Class
While your children may be too young to join a spin class, there are ways to get them involved in group exercise. Yoga can be adapted for kids, as can certain dance-based classes like Zumba. Look for kid-focused programs rather than enrolling them in adult classes.

The best form of exercise is the one your child will do. And it’s even better if the whole family gets involved. I can speak from experience that being active together is a great way to bond as a family. Getting healthier is the added bonus.

Parents Night Out

Finding a sitter on a Friday night can be an exercise in itself. Parents Night Out allows parents to drop off kids for a fun (and active) evening at any of The Athletic Club’s three locations. Kids enjoy a fun-filled evening of games, mazes, music, sports, swimming and more. All activities are age-appropriate and properly monitored. Call the club of your choice for upcoming Parents Night Out dates and to register.

Little Rock Athletic Club
225-3601, ext. 335
Ages 4-10
Kids’ Club Members: $20 first child; $18 for each sibling
LRAC Members: $22 first child; $20 for each sibling
Non-Members: $24 per child; $22 for each sibling

North Little Rock Athletic Club
812-5559, ext. 234
Ages 4 weeks-12 years
Members: $20 first child; $18 for each sibling
Non-Members: $22 per child; $20 for each sibling

Racquet Club
225-5711
Ages 4-10 (must be potty-trained)
Members: $25 first child; $17 for each sibling
Non-Members: $28 per child