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Weight Management Guide

Part 4: Fitness

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com

Created: November 23, 2003

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

An essential part of any weight loss or weight management program is regular fitness. Encourage your child to participate in a physical education class in school and extracurricular sports at school or in the community. Try and find physical activities that your child enjoys doing.

Some tips to increase your child's and family's physical activities include:

  • Walk or ride your bike instead of driving for short distances.
  • Take a walk with a friend or walk the family dog each afternoon.
  • Use stairs instead of escalators or elevators, especially if you have to walk out of your way to find the stairs.
  • Park your car at the end of the parking lot and walk to the entrance of the mall or grocery store.
  • Encourage regular exercise for 20-30 minutes 4-5 times each week. This can include walking, jogging, swimming, bike riding, rollerblading, riding a skateboard, etc. It can also include playing a new sport, such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, etc.
  • Family exercise: go for routine family walks or bike rides in the neighborhood or local park.

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