Fun keeping fit

Alternative ways to get the kids moving

Every parent has heard the dire warnings about increasing rates of obesity and the sedentary lifestyle of modern children. We know you know everything that should be done to keep kids fit,such as making them eat more fruits as opposed to more snacks; and encouraging more fun in the sun rather than time at the computer. Here are some ideas to make getting fit even more fun by promoting activity, not exercise.

. Be silly. Let younger children see how much fun you can have while being active. Run like a gorilla. Walk like a spider. Hop like a bunny, Stretch like a cat.

. Get in the game. Play catch, get the whole family involved in a game of tag or have a jump-rope contest. Try classic movement games such as Simon says or red light, green light. If you don't remember the rules, make up your own!

. Count your chores. You might even make it  a friendly challenge. Who can pull the most weeds out of the vegetable garden? Who can collect the most litter in the neighborhood? Who can sweep up the biggest pile of leaves?

. Try an activity party. For your child's next birthday, schedule a bowling party, take the kids to a climbing wall or set up relay races in the backyard.

. Put your kids in change. Let each child take a turn choosing the activity of the day or week. Batting cages, bowling and fast-food play areas all count. What matters is that you're doing something active.