Encourage your kids to exercise at home

Let’s face it; it’s not just kids who are less active these days. There are many of us who, after a hard day of tapping on our keyboards, programming our iphones and gazing bewildered into flashing computer screens can manage barely anything more than a ready meal or a night on the couch; in front of yet another electronic device that stops us performing any mental or physical activity, as we slip off into a sedentary hypnosis.



In this hi-tech wireless age, it is becoming ever more apparent that our levels of mobility are decreasing. Therefore it’s more important than ever, not only to set an example for the younger generations, but, for our own well being take control of our lives and realise that physical activity is a necessary and enjoyable part of life!



However, if the idea of leaving the house on a dark, cold winters night or a rainy, soggy spring day doesn’t sound at all inviting then there could just be something else right up your street…



For an activity that the whole family can have fun doing together, without it feeling like some form of boot-camp-for-kids routine or worse, a smug personal trainer hovering over you in a close-fitting lycra ensemble making you feel about as fit as a sloth; hotfoot it to your nearest retailer and purchase one of the many new ‘active gaming’ consoles now available, like the Xbox Kinect.

Lo and behold; a new way of having fun and raising the heart rate all at once! This nifty piece of kit gets you using your entire body to interact, jump, run, boogie and play a choice of games ranging from race driving and dancing to animal themed adventures, yoga, zumba and even Harry Potter! Active gaming is a brilliant way for anyone and everyone to find something they’ll really enjoy, while getting a great workout. This kind of active gaming appeals to all sorts of people, brings friends and family together, is more tempting than a jog in the rain and gives kids a safe and fun outlet for their excess energy.



New technology is at last encouraging creative solutions to stop us all from becoming unhealthy victims of our own innovation. It’s ‘exercise for the digital age’ and love it or loathe it, it looks like it’s here to stay.