Why Exercising Shouldn"t Be Part of a Kids Weight Loss Program
With today's childhood weighing in at over 30% who are overweight, I think it's in every parents interest who's dealing with this problem to hear my thoughts on a kids weight loss program.
Here is a common question I hear from parents who have children who are overweight.
Question - "My child is overweight and I want them to start some kind of kids weight loss program, but I've heard that weightlifting isn't healthy for a younger child and may cause them not to grow as fast".
Answer - Let me start by answering this with a story.
I grew up in a place outside of town in a valley but had mountains all around me.
So instead of doing all the things the other kids did inside of town (like playing video games, watching movies, etc.
) , I spent most of my time outdoors with my best friend.
We'd have races up the mountain, see who could climb trees the fastest (I eventually got the nickname Monkey Boy because I have big ears and could fly up a tree like you wouldn't believe), and did pretty much every outdoor sport imaginable.
When I was in 3rd grade, we had a fitness content.
And guess what - I tied for first place with a kid who also lived near me and did the same types of things.
The only reason we tied was because we didn't have any time left in gym to see who could do more - we just keep going :) Now, what does that tell you about a kids weight loss program? Well, I wasn't on a kids weight loss program - I just went outside and had fun! That's the secret to staying in great shape as a kid, just have fun outside instead of sitting indoors and playing video games.
Today's society for some reason wants to make kids grow up faster.
My philosophy is the exact opposite.
Let them be a little mischievous, let them spend tons of time with their friends having fun.
Let them be children! Doing the kinds of things I did - sprints, climbing trees, and playing sports, is the best kids weight loss program you'll be able to find.
If you have a kid that's overweight, don't push it on them.
Let them do exercise that they don't think is exercise.
Make your own personal kids weight loss program that lets them have fun instead of actually thinking you made them a kids weight loss program.
The same thing goes with nutrition, which is even more important.
Make it a good thing to eat healthy, not something they "have" to do or else.
I think there's a direct correlation between 30% of children being overweight and parents wanting their kids to behave like adults all the time.
Instead of harassing them to study all night long and stay inside the house (grades really don't even matter for children anyway - trust me), let them get outside and have a little fun! That's the best kids weight loss program in my mind, but I'd love to hear your comments.
Let me know if you agree.
Here is a common question I hear from parents who have children who are overweight.
Question - "My child is overweight and I want them to start some kind of kids weight loss program, but I've heard that weightlifting isn't healthy for a younger child and may cause them not to grow as fast".
Answer - Let me start by answering this with a story.
I grew up in a place outside of town in a valley but had mountains all around me.
So instead of doing all the things the other kids did inside of town (like playing video games, watching movies, etc.
) , I spent most of my time outdoors with my best friend.
We'd have races up the mountain, see who could climb trees the fastest (I eventually got the nickname Monkey Boy because I have big ears and could fly up a tree like you wouldn't believe), and did pretty much every outdoor sport imaginable.
When I was in 3rd grade, we had a fitness content.
And guess what - I tied for first place with a kid who also lived near me and did the same types of things.
The only reason we tied was because we didn't have any time left in gym to see who could do more - we just keep going :) Now, what does that tell you about a kids weight loss program? Well, I wasn't on a kids weight loss program - I just went outside and had fun! That's the secret to staying in great shape as a kid, just have fun outside instead of sitting indoors and playing video games.
Today's society for some reason wants to make kids grow up faster.
My philosophy is the exact opposite.
Let them be a little mischievous, let them spend tons of time with their friends having fun.
Let them be children! Doing the kinds of things I did - sprints, climbing trees, and playing sports, is the best kids weight loss program you'll be able to find.
If you have a kid that's overweight, don't push it on them.
Let them do exercise that they don't think is exercise.
Make your own personal kids weight loss program that lets them have fun instead of actually thinking you made them a kids weight loss program.
The same thing goes with nutrition, which is even more important.
Make it a good thing to eat healthy, not something they "have" to do or else.
I think there's a direct correlation between 30% of children being overweight and parents wanting their kids to behave like adults all the time.
Instead of harassing them to study all night long and stay inside the house (grades really don't even matter for children anyway - trust me), let them get outside and have a little fun! That's the best kids weight loss program in my mind, but I'd love to hear your comments.
Let me know if you agree.
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