Watching television, playing video games and typing at the computer: If these are your children's ideas of extracurricular activities, they're choosing sedentary activities to take over their spare time. This could quickly lead to unhealthy habits that are hard to break.
How do you get your kids up and moving? Try something as simple as going for a walk or a run. Everyone can do it. Learning to run using a run/walk program allows everyone to progress safely and easily. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and a little motivation.
Reasons to take on a challenge
It was easy to get Canadian Living's Family Wellness Makeover participants Ria, 13, and Stefi, 10, going as they had a common goal: to take part in a triathlon camp in eight weeks. Ria also wanted to do better at a track and field event at school, which was only four weeks away. This was motivation enough to get moving.
Meeting once a week for a run/walk gave us a chance to talk about that week's progression and allowed me to help with form and technique.
Walk this way
The main technique tip I work on is relaxation and enjoying the run/walk. Concentrate on landing lightly from the heel of your foot to the front. Allow your body to move as freely as possible. Keep your eyes focused ahead, not down; run with good posture, aligning your head, shoulders and hips over your feet. Allow your arms to move freely just at your waistline. The arms naturally swing in front of you, but do not allow them to cross the midline of your chest. Your hands and wrists should be relaxed and loose. Cup the hands lightly as if you are carrying a fragile egg.
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