Getting your child involved in after school activities is a
great way to get her away from the television and help her develop
critical social skills. Studies show that children who participated in
after school activities performed better in school and were less likely
to use drugs and alcohol or experience behavioral problems.
Extracurricular activities also provide a great opportunity for your
child to exercise.
When choosing extracurriculars for your child, it's important to
find activities that encourage her to be an active and fit individual.
Here is a list of activities that will help improve your child's level
of physical fitness and put her on the path to being a happy and
healthy adult.
1. Dance
Dance is a fun way to get your child's body moving and their heart
pumping. Dance helps develop coordination, flexibility, stamina and
endurance. In addition to all its physical benefits, dance provides
children with a creative outlet to express themselves. There are so
many different genres and types of dance, that you're bound to find one
that suits your child.
2. Marital Arts
Martial arts classes are great for kids of all ages. Marital arts
will give your child a total body workout. Some of the physical
benefits include increased stamina, flexibility and strength. Students
of the marital arts also learn the importance of self-control and
self-discipline. Not only will marital arts improve your child's
fitness, it will improve her self-esteem.
3. Swimming
Swimming is a great low-impact exercise that all people can
partake in, regardless of their fitness level. Drop your kids off at
the local pool for an hour every other day if you want to improve their
fitness. Swimming is an excellent cardio activity that conditions the
heart and improves the way the your body uses oxygen. Other physical
benefits include improved flexiblity, strength and endurance. One of
the best things about swimming is that it engages the whole body and
gives you a great total body workout.
4. Soccer
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, and it offers one of the best aerobic workouts around. You spend an entire game sprinting up and down the field. Soccer helps expand aerobic capacity, improves muscle tone and increases endurance and flexibility. Your child will get the added benefit of playing on a team and learning how to work with others. Sign your kid up for outdoor team in the fall or an indoor team year round to reap all the health benefits that soccer has to offer.
5. Running
Most kids love to run around whenever they have the chance. Try
signing your child up for an after school track team so they get the
health benefits of running in a structured environment. Running is
great for conditioning your heart and increasing aerobic capacity. Best
of all, it doesn't require fancy equipment or a lot of skill.
