Polytechnic encouraging parents to get kids fit for life, even indoors

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on August 16, 2024.

Herald file photo A youngster takes part in boat race during a past Play Day event. The Be Fit For Life Centre encourages kids and parents to explore ways to remain active even if conditions keep them from going outdoors.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

With summer being the time for children to be outdoors but not always being an option, keeping them active indoors is something Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Be Fit For Life is advising parents to do.

Diane Gallagher, projects coordinator with the Be Fit For Life Centre, has shared some ideas to keep children active while indoors.

“We all know that having activity in our lives is extremely important for health and Wellness and sometimes we forget in the summer if you’re not outside that you can still actually be active,” said Gallagher.

She said sometimes being indoors is synonymous with sitting time and as the summer progresses and high temperatures and smoke become an obstacle for children to spend time outdoors, it is important to find ways to keep them active.

“We still want to keep them moving as it’s good for their overall health. There’s lots of games people can play, board games obviously, but there’s also more active games out there that you can do,” said Gallagher.

Some of her ideas include dancing, movement dice, active charades and building a fort as they encourage connections between children and the adults in their life.

“Physical activity helps with mood regulation, sleeping and their appetite as well as their ability to listen and cooperate with others,” said Gallagher.

She added that keeping children active could be fun for the whole family and the best way for parents and caregivers to encourage children to participate in those activities is through leading by example.

“Parents can get involved and maybe start the activity with them or invite them by saying things like ‘hey let’s do this,’ that’s probably one of the most powerful ways to get those kids involved in some different activities,” said Gallagher.

She said that even though keeping children active is good for their physical health, it is also vital for their mental and emotional health as well.

“There’s lots of information out there now that shows us how much support we get for our mental health or well-being from physical activity, our mood, our sleep patterns, all those kinds of things are greatly impacted by our physical activities,” said Gallagher.

She said being indoors does no longer need to be associated with watching television or playing video games, it can also be associated with fun activities for the whole family.