Making Fitness Fun

Help school-agers add more activity to their day with an after-school kids' running club. Starting one yourself is easy to do and simple to maintain, plus you get to join in on the jogging and walking--so your fitness levels get a boost too. A kids' running club requires very little equipment and doesn't have to cost a thing.

Help your kids get healthy and help your community support safe routes to school by celebrating Walk to School Day in October. Many communities observe Walk to School Day, Week, or Month.

Learn how to find the best kids sports program for your child. Choose a program that will keep him engaged, happy, and active.

Does your child walk to school? Why or why not? Discuss this hotter-than-you-might expect topic.

The start of a new school year is a good opportunity to create or revive good health and fitness habits. Add these back-to-school health changes into your get-ready plans.

Lists ways to show kids that physical activity is fun. Includes suggestions for modeling fitness and encouraging exercise. Also lists phrases to use when praising kids' fitness efforts.

When it comes to extracurricular activities, you really can't beat sports for kids. Joining a sports team helps your child stay active, practice and learn sportsmanship, improve social skills and concentration, and develop a hobby he can enjoy for life.

Don't become a parent who yells and screams at their kids, the coaches and the umpires from the sidelines. Encouraging your child to play sports is one of the best ways to help him or her develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime, but some parents take it too far by emphasizing winning rather than skill development and having fun.

Your grade-schooler can get a lot out of playing sports. But alongside the positives, such as fitness and self-confidence and self-discipline, your child could also be at risk for injuries. What are the biggest pitfalls and how can you keep you child safe while he has fun?

If you're having trouble getting your sluggish kid away from video games, try making exercise time a bit more adventurous by mixing in martial arts moves. Try these five simple karate exercises, and you'll have a karate kid in no time.