Let’s get physical!
The YWCA has always encouraged women and young women to develop a love for sport and recreation.
The number of overweight and obese children in New Zealand is growing at a phenomenal rate. On the whole, children and young people are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer, or video game console.
There is no question that exercise is good for growing children, and the earlier they start, the better. Staying fit can help improve your child's self-esteem and decrease the risk of serious illnesses (such as heart disease and stroke) later in life:
Ages 2 to 6: Start good habits early. Limit children's TV time (better yet, leave the TV off) and increase their physical activity. Get them involved in a fitness program they enjoy. Encourage children to eat healthy foods and limit snacks.
Ages 7 to 12: Encourage children to be physically active every day through activities like walking or playing in the backyard. Help them participate in organised sports like netball, soccer, dance, basketball, rugby, gymnastics, swimming, and martial arts. Even basic household chores like vacuuming, washing the car and raking leaves helps them be more fit.
Ages 13 to 17: We all know that teens can't "live" without their fast food, but encourage them to select the healthier choices like grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, and smaller sizes. Encourage them to join a school sports team. If they don't feel very athletic, suggest a less competitive community program or alternative sport like skateboarding, hacky sack or mountain biking. Don't force any one sport or activity - help your children find what they enjoy and then support them in their efforts.
All ages: Cut down on TV, computer, and video game time, and discourage eating while watching TV. Try to include 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day in their diet, plan healthy snacks, and encourage kids to eat a nutritionally balanced breakfast every day.
Tips to help you children, and you become active: Check out these pages on the SPARC website for some great ideas on how to help your children become active.
And what about you? Check out this great link from NZ Girl on how to sneak exercise into your busy day!
The YWCA offers various fitness programs that can help your child start a life-long commitment to fitness while improving strength, endurance, and athletic abilities. Find your local YWCA
We would like to thank SPARC for making these programmes possible
