Childhood obesity is a growing problem, as children spend less time exploring the great outdoors and more time in front of the television and computer. One way to improve a child’s risk is to motivate them to do more calorie burning activities.  Here are some easy ways to encourage your child to exercise.

Grupo Mayan professionals have the following recommendations. Motivate a child to exercise by not calling it exercise. Refer to it as to play instead. Dance with your child, eat lunch in the park, enroll you child in after school classes.

When kids are active, their bodies can do the things they want and need them to do and they they want to do more of it. Regular exercise provides these benefits: strong muscles and bones, weight control, decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, they sleep better and their outlook of life is a positive one.

Whether it’s swimming or riding a tricycle — it improves their abilities and helps them feel talented, especially when the effort is noticed and praised. These good feelings often make kids want to continue the activity and even try others.

Here is some age-based advice by the Grupo Mayan Experts:
-Preschoolers: need play and exercise that helps them continue to develop important motor skills — kicking or throwing a ball, playing tag or follow the leader, hopping on one foot, riding a bike, free dancing, or running obstacle courses.
-School–age: These can range from traditional sports like baseball and basketball to Scouting, biking, camping, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits.
-Teenagers: Teens have many choices when it comes to being active — from school sports to after-school interests, such as yoga or skateboarding

If your child is overweight, do not push him/her. Consistency is the key. Get them outside, moving as much as you can and provide them with healthy food to give them energy.  You can begin by setting a good example and include a balanced diet for your family.

What about exercising when you are on vacations at the Grupo Mayan Resorts with them? Magical places, white sands, azure sky, crystal-clear ocean, sunny weather; the perfect scenario for your kids to enjoy and share activities with others. They will play without knowing they are exercising! The “Kids Club” is an special program created for kids from 5 to 12 years old. They have many activities to keep them in motion, like pool games, bag races, pool race, soccer at the beach, balloon war, mini dance lessons, and many more.

These are just a few tips to motivate children to exercise. The Grupo Mayan experts in health and fitness hope this will help you to enjoy more quality family time.