One of the hardest jobs we have as parents is to help motivate our children to pursue a consistent physical fitness program. On this page, we have a collection of links to health and fitness websites for children to help make that job easier.
This exciting
health and fitness website for children, “BAM! Body & Mind,” is designed to appeal to children and adolescents with a slick comic book-inspired design saturated with vivid colors. While the content is first rate (CDC scientists and nutritionists provided the substance of it), the material is presented in such a way that members of today’s younger generation will find it stimulating and fun. A number of interactive games such as “Dining Decisions” provide sound advice along with a large dose of fun. Other top features include a fitness calendar and advice from “Xperts” on physical activity and eating right.
This website was produced by the American Council on Exercise, a non-profit organization devoted to physical fitness as one of the keys to a long and productive life. The link provided here leads you to a helpful article titled
Kid’s Fitness…What’s a Parent To Do? by Debi Pillarella, M.Ed. She offers a straightforward assessment of children’s likes and dislikes regarding physical fitness for a variety of ages; she tells you “what’s hot and what’s not” while providing guidelines for when to offer your child more advanced forms of exercise, such as resistance training (answer: ages 10-12). She also warns adults to practice what they preach if they truly want to impact their children’s behavior: “Studies have shown that in households where parents were active, 95% of the children in those households were active as well.” The Growing Lean twelve-week program and exercise classes incorporate these concepts by promoting family fitness and by offering a variety of exercise options to appeal to a variety of tastes.
"You are the rhythm of the universe! Mind, Body, and Spirit!" This site provides tips, tools, and information to help girls aged 10 to 16
stay fit and make healthy food choices. It also explores other issues important to older children, offering advice on everything from relationships to smoking. The downloadable "Teen Survival Guide" is packed with good strategies for girls facing these sometimes stressful years.
This government website for girls tests
nutrition and fitness knowledge with fun games and puzzles. Girlpower encourages girls to be "bodywise," eating nutritious food, staying fit, and avoiding dangerous diets and eating disorders. "Do you get enough physical activity? Each day, young people are
encouraged to do about 60 minutes of moderate physical activity, like
walking or riding a bike. At least three times a week, challenge
yourself to 20 minutes of more intense activities, like jogging or step
aerobics. Try to make every day an active day!"
This website sponsored by the National Football League
encourages young people to “
Play60,” and exercise for one hour per day. The
site personalizes fitness through games and interviews with NFL players like Antonio
Gates of the San Diego Chargers. Gates tells young people to always match their
calories in to their energy expenditures, noting that after a big Thanksgiving
meal, “You pay the price for eating so much, you know. I try to jog and do some
cardio after eating a lot.” Another link offers kids and teens workout tips from top NFL players. A thoroughly engaging site sure to motivate any young football fan.