Getting Canada’s children to exercise has never been more difficult as the new e-generation slouches in front of TVs, or sits for hours, mesmerized behind video and computer games.

However, it is possible to foster a regular exercise pattern for children from an early age, with simple activities that are more “fun” than “exercise.” I was recently interviewed by a popular parenting magazine, and I was asked to describe some fun, effective and inexpensive ways families can get their kids active.

Here are some Old Favorites

Back in the day, kids played hopscotch and tag and didn’t know that it qualified as exercise! Reviving old pastimes could be an easy way to promote physical fitness. Hopscotch improves balance and coordination, while the constant stop-go running in a healthy game of tag or hide-&-seek elevates the heart rate to more efficiently burn calories. Jumping rope is another favorite that has fallen by the wayside. The regular interval in jumping rope pumps the heart steadily, and is an efficient form of aerobic exercise.

Biking

Biking is another excellent way to get a child to exercise. From first learning on a tricycle to the celebrated arrival of the two-wheeler, biking is something that can be viewed as an achievement, as well as an easy way to increase a child’s physical activity. Biking helps children develop coordination, balance, work the back muscle groups that aid good posture, and build up leg muscles. Moreover, biking gives children an easy way to travel to their friends’ houses and assert independence -an added incentive that will get those legs, and lungs, pumping!

As an eleven-year old in one of my youth programs said, “I love riding my bike. It’s so much fun. I ask my parents, and then I can bike down to my friend’s house or around the block.”

Rollerblading

Bikes aren’t the only wheels that kids can use to rev up their heart rate. Rollerblading is an activity that can be done indoors, and out, and an activity the whole family can join in. Whether in an indoor skating rink, or just playing by the sidewalk or school yard, rollerblading is an activity that is fun for the children and healthy as well.

A walk with the dog

Another exercise that can be performed daily by a child is none other than the traditional walk with Fido. Jogging, or even walking at a brisk pace, with the dog, floods the body with endorphins and a slew of other health benefits related to exercise. Bring along a stick to throw, and the workout has becomes even more intense. What’s more: walking the dog everyday is a sure-fire way to maintain regular exercise, which is much more advantageous, in the long run, than intermittent exercising.

Exercise that isn’t Exercise

Taking the non-traditionalist approach to exercising is just as easy. Children can help their parents carry the groceries or walk with them to school. Whatever the case, mixing up a regular exercise pattern for kids helps them create a healthy lifestyle.

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