• It is a parent's responsibility to help keep children healthy.happy kids image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com
  
  Keeping your children healthy is one of the most important things you can do for them. Their education, well-being and happiness can all depend on whether or not they are healthy. When children become overweight, they tire easily and quickly, sleep less and often have difficulty gaining self confidence. It isn't hard to get them healthy and keep them that way. There are some great fitness plans to keep you and your family on track to a healthy life.
  
  

At-home Exercise

• Fitness for your children should be fun.geschwister image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
  
  Taking your children to the gym may be overdoing it a bit. Leaving your home for your children's fitness plan is not necessary. According to About Aerobics, playing sports with your children one on one or as a family will benefit your children greatly. A friendly game of soccer, baseball or basketball is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. Mixing up your children's favorite show with music can make for a great dance party. Utilizing a low-weight set of handbells for strength training can also be fun to do when counting off during a song or having your child sing a simple song such as the ABC's during a set of repetitions.
  
  

Outside Play

• Bike riding is fun and exciting for children.little boy learning to ride bicycle image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
  
  Turning of the video games and getting the family outside daily is a fitness plan that children will never tire of. Take your children for a hike and reward them with a picnic lunch at the end of the trail. A bike ride around the neighborhood not only improves your children's fitness, but they can invite their friends along as well to make it more enjoyable. Swimming for exercise does not mean they should only be doing lap; playing in the water takes extra force when playing catch, basketball and tag. Walking to the park can be rewarded with a little extra playtime before making the walk back home. Sett a goal of meeting a set amount of miles walked, hiked or biked. This may get your children more excited about a fitness plan.
  
  

Stretching

• Stretching is refreshing and necessary for children.big stretch image by Lisa Eastman from Fotolia.com
  
  Stretching out is an important part of everyone's fitness plan. Proper stretching for children is crucial to preventing damaged tissues or ligaments. Start with a neck stretch to the right side, left side and front to back, holding each stretch for 10 to 30 seconds. Always have them return their heads upright before moving on to the next stretch. Have the children reach to the sky for 10 to 30 seconds and then reach to the back. Other stretches that can be done include arm circles, toe touches, and thigh and calf stretches. Just as an adult should talk to a doctor about any fitness plan, you should also talk to your child's pediatrician before beginning a fitness plan with your children.