Is this the year you’re going to get fit or stay fit with your kiddo? We know it is! 2022 will be full of surprises, but if one thing is certain, it’s that there will be plenty of opportunities to help your kiddo move more and remain healthy throughout the year. We have some New Year’s resolution ideas that will serve as a tempting invitation to move. You may enjoy getting up and joining your little one as they enter the new year with their best foot forward.
Stay Fit and Be Active, Kids!
Kids are movement machines, but in this digital age, device usage often takes up far more time during the day than it used to. Sometimes, this means sacrificing necessary time to move. Once kids are in school, it is recommended that kids have at least one hour of exercise each day. Daily physical activity for kids means better posture, ache and pain prevention, improved focus, and even better grades in the classroom. It’s true that super health kids know how to stay fit. With these resolution suggestions, you’ll be able to incorporate more movement throughout the day.
Go to the Park Every Weekend (Or More Frequently than You Already Do)
You don’t need to buy fancy equipment to move more. Get on over to the park! From jungle gyms to grass play, the park is the place to go all out with movement. To mix things up, try out different parks each week that are in your area. If you’re feeling really ambitious, go on and join your kiddo. This is your opportunity to get some physical activity in too. Stay fit, Mom!
Take At Least 5 Movement Breaks Throughout The Day or Evening
Put that tracker that you got for Christmas to work. If your kiddo spends a ton of time sitting either with schoolwork or a device, set a timer. When the timer goes off, it’s time to move. Dance silly, stretch, or go outside for 5 minutes before returning to the task at hand. Getting in even just a little more movement between tasks can help your kiddo stay focused too and stay recharged.
Use My New Active Toy In the Evenings After School
There are so many toys for active kids out in the world. Jump ropes, sports balls, chalk (for mazes, hopscotch, and obstacle courses), bikes, and scooters are all toys that provide a ton of opportunities to move more. As far as gross motor skills activities go, sometimes all you need is an active play toy that your child loves. Don’t be afraid to join your kiddo to stay fit in this New Year’s resolution.
Replace My Homework or TV Chair with an Exercise Ball
When we sit in regular chairs, the tendency is to slouch. This interferes with good posture, and without good posture, kids are more likely to complain about aches and pains. An exercise ball can help with core stability and balance. Plus, it’s just plain fun to bounce on an exercise ball. You can also use the exercise ball just for fun. Just make sure there is plenty of space to use it, and feel free to take advantage of these exercise ball games for kids.
Into the New Year
It’s easy to set a health-themed New Year’s resolution, but it’s another to stick with it. Remember that it’s important to make movement fun and something that you’ll want to do over and over again. Try our different suggestions, or create your own ways to stay fit after the holidays as a family. Whatever way you decide to encourage physical activity in the home, know that there is absolutely no way you could ever regret moving more.
If movement is an issue or your kiddo often complains about aches and pains, you’ll want to speak to your doctor about getting a referral for physical therapy. Our physical therapy professionals can help get bodies moving comfortably once again.
It’s our tradition to create more fun and educational posts for you in 2022. Come find us on Facebook and Instagram. See you next year!