Childhood obesity is an increasingly difficult problem. Action, if taken early, can change the outcome for obese children or even prevent it happening in the first place. An appropriate exercise problem is one tool that can alter the outcome for such children

When we talk about exercise routines for children we must not get them confused with the strict routines that adults follow. Children's exercise routines should be fun, flexible and enjoyable, not the three or four gym visits per week type routines. As children are still growing, certain types of exercise may be harmful to them at a younger age. You can however incorporate aerobic exercises, strength building exercises and activities to improve flexibility into your child's routines to build overall fitness.

The following is fact ...

Being overweight as a child can also cause psychological distress. Teasing about their appearance affects a child's confidence and self-esteem and can lead to isolation and depression

As well as encouraging your child to exercise you should also try to limit their inactivity. For example, set limits on the amount of TV your child watches and the length of time they play on video games. The amount of time children spend doing these types of activities has increased dramatically in recent years. Instead of them sitting around, try to ensure that your child is involved in play that is physically active.

Did you know ...?

Obesity is rising among children. In the past ten years it has doubled in six-year-olds (to 8.5 per cent) and trebled among 15-year-olds (to 15 per cent)

Exercise helps to regulate body fat so your child will be less likely to become overweight. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels may also be lowered and they are at a lesser risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Your child will also develop a leaner physique with stronger muscles and bones. Being physically fit and active also helps to improve your child's sleeping habits and their mental agility in day to day tasks.

While most children are pretty flexible anyway, it is a good idea to incorporate some bending and stretching exercises into their routine. These types of exercise help to improve your child's flexibility and their overall range of motion. What this means is that they can bend and stretch their muscles and joints without experiencing any difficulty or pain. There are some great exercises to improve your child's agility:

Side stretches, touching your toes.

Yoga, Pilates.

Gymnastics.

Dancing.

Martial arts.