Saudi Gazette

 

Everyone is talking about exercise and how good it is for your health. To be healthier, happier, more energetic, and optimistic, you should exercise on a regular basis.

 

So, how do I make sure I get the exercise I need?

 

First, be more active in general. For example, use the stairs instead of the elevator, help your mom with household chores, and when going out with your family ask your dad to park the car further away from your desired destination so that you can all get some extra walking. At school during recess, limit the time you spend sitting around, chatting with your buddies and encourage them to get up and play an exciting game of tag or ice and water!

 

Pick activities that you enjoy; exercising can be fun!

 

Find a friend who has similar interests as you and arrange to meet to work out together. Instead of getting together to play computer games, you can ride your bicycles in your neighborhood or around a park or by the Corniche.

 

Bicycling strengthens the heart, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and your legs. Riding a bicycle gives you a unique feeling of freedom and high spirits as you speed against the wind.   

 

Skating whether on roller blades, the older roller skates, or ice-skates is an excellent form of exercise that will get you huffing, puffing, and sweating in no time. There is an ice skating rink available at almost every large mall in all cities of the Kingdom so this may be a good option for you. For those of you who like numbers, did you know that skating at a fast pace for one hour burns 350 to 400 calories?

 

Playing sports helps you learn teamwork, make friends, be more confident in your skills, and get the exercise that your body needs. Basketball, soccer, tennis, volley ball; all sports require you to keep moving your body, working your muscles, and toning your heart. Find something that you truly enjoy and stick to it. You can play in the neighborhood park or enroll in afterschool sports programs at your school or in a gym for kids. Remember, the goal is to get about an hour of physical activity five times a week.

 

Swimming is one of the best parts of being a kid; splashing, floating, and jumping in the water. Not only is swimming fun but it is one of the very few exercises that works both your upper and lower body as well. Swimming strengthens the muscles in your whole body: arms, legs, shoulders, chest, back, and abdomen. Being in the water also makes this type of exercise gentler on your bones and muscles than other forms of sports.

 

Having a case of the blues and your parents are too busy to take you anywhere to have fun and get some exercise? Don’t despair. You can lift your mood, bring some fun into your own bedroom, and move your body. All you need is a jump rope. Jumping rope is excellent for strengthening the heart and cardiovascular system and working out your arms and legs.

 

 Challenge yourself and count how many times you can jump without stepping on the rope. If you have Wi, play games that require movement, such as tennis, bowling, and others. Or, you can turn on your CD player and dance in the privacy of your own room; in fact dancing is a very good form of exercise. It moves your body, helps you sweat to burn calories, and almost instantly puts you in a more positive mood!