Create Healthy Kids by Walking
Our society has been successful in taking walking away from our kids. They are not permitted to walk to school or to the homes of their friends. They can not walk to the corner grocery store because they no longer exist. They are not permitted to walk around their neighborhood alone because of safety. The only way kids walk is if their parents walk with them.
If a kid lives with parents who lead a sedentary life, they will do so as well. Walking is a low-impact, low-stress activity and is the safest aerobic exercise for kids. Kids are just like adults either you use it or you lose it. If the following list looks familiar it is because we read about it all the time, except usually it relates to adults. Did you know it relates to kids as well? Kids need to:
· acquire good posture
· firm and tone muscles
· burn stored body fat, helping to reduce weight
· develop strong bone growth
· reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression
· be more physically and mentally alert
· increase confidence, self-esteem and self-image
Walking is a non-competitive activity and does not require any special equipment and can be done equally well by boys and girls. Regular walking can enhance their reading, writing and other skills, and their increased aerobic fitness will help them cope with the pressures of school and family life. Walking is one activity that your kids can keep up for a lifetime.
I do not want to go overboard; however, kids can acquire healthy bodies by riding their bikes, swimming, playing sports and all kind of activities. If they have to have adult supervision, for their safety, walking is an excellent resource to get the whole family outdoors creating their healthy bodies and a much healthier lifestyle designed for all members of the family.
