Getting daily exercise is a practice that should begin in childhood, many experts say.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has this advice for encouraging physical activity among kids:
- Meet with your child's pediatrician so he can talk with you and your child about how important physical activity is for everyone's health.
- Promote a sport or other age-appropriate activity that your child likes, or an activity that the family can enjoy together.
- Create a safe place where your child can exercise and play, and offer toys that encourage physical activity.
- Be active yourself by making time for exercise and playing with your child.
- Limit TV and computer time for the entire family.
- Teach your child not to push too hard -- exercise should be fun, not painful.
Health Tip: Warm Up Before Exercise
Slow, gentle stretching before you begin more intense exercise is essential to warming up and preventing injury. It gives your body time to adjust before more intense activity.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these guidelines for stretching before your workout:
- Warm up your muscles slowly by performing an aerobic activity at a very "easy pace."
- Make your movements gentle and slow, remembering to breathe and relax.
- Hold each stretch in position for 10 to 30 seconds.
- Never bounce as you stretch.
- Stretch within your comfort level, and ease up if your stretch begins to hurt.
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