Six Ways to Bring Out the Athlete in Every Kid!

Everywhere you look, there's information about the importance of getting your kids to exercise. According to Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign, as little as 60 active minutes throughout the day can have a huge impact on a child's obesity risk. Because sports can feel like play, not exercise, finding one your little one likes is a great starting point.

But what if your child just doesn't want to try one? We asked top-ranked sport psychologist Dr. Robert Weinberg of Miami University-Ohio (and the author of nine books in the field) for his must-have list of easy and effective ideas for how to get children on their feet -- and having fun.

1. Give them choices: Research is clear that if children participate in a physical activity or sport just because their parents want them to, then the result will usually be short-term involvement in exercise. This in mind, think about what's unique about your child. Does he tend to like working or playing in groups or alone? Does she need structure or a lot of autonomy? In addition, what kinds of athletes (or even celebrities) does he admire? Use these things (not your ideas of skills she should be learning) to put together a working list of ideas to go over with your child. The opportunity to give input, help with the process and even learn about the role models associated with each sport can turn getting off the couch into something to get excited about.

2. Involve their friends: Peer influence and acceptance is extremely important for adolescents. Talk to parents of your child's close friends to find out what their kids are up to. Or, if you're all in the same boat, come up with an activity the kids can all do together.

3. Play to their strengths: When narrowing your list of options, think about where your child's talents lie. If he doesn't have great hand-eye coordination, don't make something that requires it the first sport you try. Research has shown that if a child starts to feel success or competence in an activity, it increases the chances she will like it and continue.

4. Don't shun their love of video games: If you have a TV or video game lover on your hands, use it to your advantage. A number of studies have shown that kids burn a lot of calories playing Wii games -- generally equivalent to energetic, moderate-intensity walking.

5. It's (sometimes) okay to give them rewards: It's true that rewards can enhance motivation. But the key is to try to use the reward not just for time logged but also to reflect some level of competence or achievement. Healthy rewards should have meaning to the child, and be used mostly early on. Ideally, they're there to kick-start the discovery the natural "reward" of getting better and better at something.

6. Giving them a little push can help a lot: If you've tried all of the above and getting going still feels tough, it's all right to be a little pushy. Interviews with young athletes reveal that in some cases, their parents' pushing them was what they needed to get involved in a sport or some type of physical activity. They said they didn't realize it at the time, but in looking back, they were glad their parents urged them into the activity when they were younger.

Ready to burn some calories as a family? These fun outdoor games are guaranteed to bring out the kid in you.

Exergaming, keeping or getting kids active

Well this blog and most of the post are about getting you out and exercising. Well one of this countries biggest problem is Obesity, and with ideas like this, we might have a chance (I am still in favor or getting your butt and kids butts outside). Xrkade is taking all the interactive games and putting them into an environment that is condusive to exercising, not ot mention competition.

"The XRKade club is a new and exciting destination created for the Millennials and Generation G (“Gamers”). It is a cutting edge environment focused on offering the tech-savvy an immersive sensory based experience complete with the most advanced interactive games, exergaming, and entertainment systems. The XRKade club resembles a virtual reality type arcade with a futuristic, urban, and X games twist that is motivating and exciting. It is an experience offering entertaining and physical challenges that completely submerges the user in the XRKade games and activities. It motivates the user to be active with each activity and game they play while receiving the benefits of being physically active"

Not sure it will take off, but with winter coming it is a good time to launch and open places around the country. They should just rent space in areas for the winter then move to resort towns during the summer, so when it is raining or cold, kids have something to do. Give me a call we can work out the marketing of this offline.

You have something great. Xrkade

Time for some Summer Fun, Springfree

When I was a kid my summer camp had a gymnastics area, and a trampoline. The best thing that the camp did was dug a pit so that the tramp was at ground hight, allowing for the kids and instructors to spot much easier. I have always wanted a trampoline for myself but the round ones never did anything for me, plus they were dangerous without someone spotting you at all times. The benefits of trampolines are incredible.

"The aerobics associated with jumping on a fitness trampoline strengthens the heart in the same way as other cardio exercises like running and jumping rope. This increase in cardio rate encourages energy use and weight loss. Spending five to eight minutes doing trampoline exercise is like running a mile, only with less time and effort. Trampoline exercise tones muscles in the lower half of the body. The legs, thighs, hips, stomach, and abdomen are all used when exercising on a fitness trampoline. The trampoline workout can also be a fun activity for all the family, it is fun to watch and once you learn how to use it properly you can also contribute your opinion, and improve the workout altogether." John Furnem

So when I came across SpringFree Trampoline I did back flips. SpringFree has really done a great job of putting safety first and fun second. Now you would think those two would not be fun but seeing is believing. SoftEdge Technology
Over a period of twelve years, the Springfree™ Trampoline engineering team has created a unique softe-edge jumping system that has removed the traditional frame and spring system from the same height as the jumping surface. The frame has been lowered, well away from the jumper, with all-weather fibreglass rods , which extend from this frame into an innovatve connector system at the edge of the mat. The rods are angled on two axis, tensioning the mat to provide bounce, while also creating a soft edge that is deflected on impact. Only Springfree™ trampolines have an edge soft enough not to require safety pads.

SAFETY
As a parent, your family’s safety is a priority! Springfree™ Trampoline is safe by design, giving you complete peace of mind.

HEALTH
Child obesity is a big problem. Most kids spend too much time watching TV or playing video games, so it’s really important to get outside and active. Springfree™ Trampoline is great, fun exercise! Ten minutes of jumping is as good as a 30-minute run—and way more fun!

QUALITY
Springfree™ Trampoline isn’t just a notch above all other trampoline products—we’ve taken quality, safety and innovation to the next level. Lots of thought goes into our designs to make every Springfree™ Trampoline sturdy, strong and weather-resistant.

PLAY
We’ve reinvented the trampoline without compromising the fun. Springfree™ Trampoline is hours of fun! No more “I’m bored” means more free time for mum and dad—and with the coolest trampoline ever, you’ll be a real hero!

CONFIDENCE
Jumping is key to your child’s mental and physical development. Springfree™ Trampoline helps accelerate the progress of your child’s motor skills, balance, and coordination, making them more confident all round.

CONVENIENCE
With minimal maintenance requirements, ease of use, and of course, fast and easy purchase options, Springfree™ Trampoline is as convenient to own as it is fun to use!
Check them out! SpringFree Trampoline

Child Trailers, get the kids involved

We all know that obesity is at a all time high, so get your kids involved as early as possible. Studies have shown that if a parents exercises with their children, then it is more likely that your children will be into sports as well. So what better way then as baby to bring them along. I have been using the Burley for about 5 years now and it is great, the kids are getting a little old to be in the trailer but going to the beach each year this thing is great. Strong, light and roomy you can't complain. The best thing is that the sand stays in the trailer not the car.
The other day I noticed a trailer or side car called Chariot Carriers. So instead of getting pulled behind the bike where you can't interact with your children, and if it is dusty, wet or muddy there is a good chance your kids will eat some dirt (I am not saying this is a bad thing). The Chariot SideCarrier is like a side car, putting the carrier right beside the bicycle allowing contact between the you and your child.
Both of these trailers have their advantages the Burley for being able to handle crowded roads and longer treks, the Chariot for it's interaction and cool side car look.
Check them out! Chariot carriers, Burley