HELPFUL HINTS FOR FAMILY LIFE How to get kids to exercise during lockdown

Dad-of-two and Olympic long jump gold medallist Greg Rutherford talks about how to motivate children to be physically active at home.

Kids are spending a lot more time at home at the moment which means they’re missing out on vital exercise,

1. Make it fun

Nobody likes the idea of being dragged out of bed for a military-style bootcamp in the mornings, especially small children who might not understand the importance of exercise. Me and the children have been doing regular dance parties in the front room, where we put some upbeat pop music on and just let loose.

2. Find their happy movement

There are those children who enjoy charging around the room to burn off energy, while others might thrive in a calming yoga session. Everyone knows their children best and there’s no one magic way to engage them in exercise.

3. Don’t worry if you don’t have outdoor space

My youngest son isn’t keen on the cold and it’s been raining non-stop here, so we’ve found that it’s really important to get creative in the house,.

I get the kids to do some circuits with me in the living room when the weather isn’t great. The moves are modified for kids; it’s movement and activity they can easily follow.

If you only have a small room to play with, you can still get the blood pumping by opting for ‘no space’ movements like body squats and running on the spot.

4. Set a good example

Kids are much more likely to get on board with an activity session if they can see mum or dad are excited about throwing on their gym kit too. Being involved is really important and, as the parent, you have to show you’re willing to muck in with the activities.

Crucially though, you shouldn’t see it as a chore. The joy you get from being silly with your children is wonderful and it’s a great stress-reliever too.