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As our children reach the age that
they begin to participate in athletic activities most are drawn to the
sports with the "wow" factor like football, baseball and soccer.
These sports are great because children are naturally active and the
have the ability to run, jump, swim, bike and still have excess energy.
It is this high level of activity that helps them to maintain a healthy
weight and to build strong bodies.
We as parents must try and
encourage our children to also participate in a sport that will help to
keep them physically fit as an adult when metabolisms show down and the
scale seems to creep upward. These sports are termed "Life
Sports", basically because they are activities that people are likely to
continue throughout their lives as opposed to those enjoyed as children.
It is imperative that you encourage your children to also participate in
a sport that they will continue to enjoy in adulthood. Some
examples of "life sports" are tennis, golf, skiing, swimming, martial
arts and biking.
Golf
Playing golf is a great way to stay healthy, get exercise, socialize,
and have fun all at the same time. The best part of golfing is that you
get to enjoy the outdoors. Today, more children are learning to play
golf than ever before. It is absolutely a sport that can be enjoyed by
enthusiasts from children, around 6 years old, through retirement.
Swimming
Swimming is a terrific sport to help maintain good health. Regular
swimming will build your muscle strength, endurance, and cardio-vascular
fitness. It offers a whole body workout that is appropriate for
people of all ages. Water exercises are ideal for low impact
workouts for those recovering from injury or for pregnant women.
If you are not a real swimmer and do not enjoy laps there are plenty of
other good water exercises. Walking or running in the water, treading
water, water aerobics or synchronized swimming to name a few. So
get your children into the pool and help to make swimming a passion that
will help to keep them fit for life.
Tennis is a popular sport
around the world. It is a great aerobic activity that will help
maintain a healthy lifestyle. This sport improves agility and
builds strength.
Tennis provides a
great workout and opportunities to play this sport are readily
available. You can easily find tennis courts wherever you are.
In addition, it is a relatively inexpensive sport to participate in
therefore it makes it very appealing.
Biking
Biking is a great activity that is
especially enjoyed by kids. It is a fantastic workout that allows you to
derive pleasure, while improving your overall fitness. Biking is a
good cardiovascular exercise that could increase the health of your
heart as well as allow you to enjoy a overall toned physique. The
opportunity to get outdoors and spend time with your family makes this
sport a terrific way to stay healthy throughout life.
Skiing
Skiing is a very popular
sport in countries that have a cold climate. It
is a great activity that tones your entire body while providing an
excellent cardiovascular workout.
Skiing
appeals to a lot of families because it's something they can do together.
Many skiers are the same people who love to run, bike, swim, surf and
are generally active during the summer months. This sport gives them a
way to stay active in the winter. The
best time to learn to ski is at a young age. Starting your child young
opens a world of fun and adventure that they will enjoy for the rest of
their life.
Martial Arts
Martial Arts training is more than just exercise, self-defense and
fun. Students are trained physically and can expect improvements
in strength, coordination, stamina, balance and flexibility.
Martial Arts
also trains the mind as well as the body, resulting in improved
self-awareness, discipline, will power, concentration,
self-discipline, and overall self-confidence. This is an activity
suited for children and excellent to keep you in shape as an adult.
Fencing
Fencing
programs are designed to develop discipline, coordination,
reflexes, balance, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship. Success in fencing is not based on
size, strength and speed alone, victory often goes to the smartest and
most determined fencer.
It is a sport that is enjoyed by both recreational and
competitive fencers of all ages.
Create an
Interest at an Early Age...
It is important that you introduce
your children to many different sports and activities, both team
oriented and individual. Give honest thought to your child's strength,
abilities and temperament and then locate the activity that might be a
good match for them. It is important that you keep your
expectations realistic, and let your child know that exercise is very
important but that fun is the goal. Children are often eager to
try a variety of sports and activities, especially when their parents
get involved, too. When they show an interest in a particular
activity, be sure to encourage them. Accompany them to their games
and cheer them on at the sidelines and/or play/practice along with them.
You should encourage your children
to participate in athletic activities, but never forget that it must be
fun and they must enjoy themselves. By finding activities that
they find pleasurable, you are setting them up for a healthy, active,
lifestyle.
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