Boston Children's fit kit I don’t like to exercise. Do I really need to?

• What experiences have I had with exercise?
• Kids may think exercise is not for them. Some kids say:
  • “I don’t like to sweat.”
  • “Exercise is boring and there’s nothing fun about it.”
  • “Exercise is too hard for me. I get tired easily.”
• Can you relate? How do you feel about exercise? What could you do?

Get some ideas that have worked for other kids

Explore exercise

• Think of some fun activities you’ve done before. What about activities you’ve seen other kids do? You don’t have to exercise in a gym. Any activity that makes your heart rate and breathing get faster counts as exercise.
• Try out different types of exercise. Sign up for something that interests you. For example, try a sports league, dance and fitness class, or hiking club.
• Find an exercise buddy — maybe a friend, parent, sibling, or your dog. Exercising with others makes it more fun.
• Build up your fitness level to make exercising easier. Start slowly with activities you can do without having to learn a new skill. For example, try walking, climbing stairs, and jogging. Over time, you’ll be able to do these activities longer and with more intensity.

The perks of exercising

• Exercise is not only fun but also provides great health benefits. It also makes you feel good.

Health benefits of regular exercise

• Mental health is better, and mood improves
• Aerobic fitness increases
• Sleep improves
• Cardiovascular system stays healthy
• Breathing during exercise improves
• Muscles get bigger, stronger, and more efficient
• Weight control is easier
• Immune system is stronger (less sickness)
• Blood sugar stays at a healthy level
• Bones become harder and stronger

• Will any of these ideas work for me? What else could I do?