Dubai Fitness Challenge keeps children active

Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) continues to take active steps to motivate children to adopt healthier and happier lifestyles.

Like adults, children need regular physical activity to stay healthy and in shape.

Yet, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that only 50 per cent of boys and less than 34 per cent of girls aged 12 to 15 are adequately fit - warning that 80 per cent of overweight children become obese adults.

The evidence is clear; all parents need to encourage kids to get out into the open air and spend less time behind television, computer, phone and electronic screens.

By embracing DFC – and encouraging children to exercise every day - parents can help kids lead a healthy lifestyle, enhance their mental wellbeing and provide a positive outlet for their boundless energy.

While some children aren't as into sports as others, there are creative ways to get children to discover the benefits and joys of physical activity with some simple tips.

Think outside the box

Research by CDC shows that children aged between six to 17 should exercise at an intensity high enough to raise their heart rate for at least an hour a day, five times a week.

However, not everyone is drawn to organised sports such as football or baseball. Look for other activities your child will enjoy -- like dancing, rock climbing, swimming, or martial arts.

Be a role model

Children watch and mimic parental behaviour - good and bad. If children see parents being physically active and having fun, they’re more likely to be active and stay active throughout their lives.

Involve the whole family to participate in exercise and outdoor activities.

At this DFC there is an action-packed and family-friendly calendar of fun and challenging fitness events, fitness villages, classes, and activities.

Why not enroll all the family into an activity such as Dubai Ride, one of DFC’s flagship events - offering families, recreational cyclists and cycling enthusiasts the opportunity to take part in the unique experience of riding past Dubai’s iconic landmarks on Sheikh Zayed Road?

Integrate exercise into the everyday

There are a myriad of ways to integrate exercise into everyday life. Parents can walk their children to school or encourage them to bike to visit friends or roller skate to the park.

Children can be encouraged to take the stairs instead of the elevator, while many household chores, like walking the dog, washing the car, or mowing the lawn, are great opportunities to sneak in a little physical activity.

Set a daily goal – and make it fun and sociable

DFC is an opportunity to normalise a fitness habit you acquire over the 30 days – everyone is encouraged to prioritise their physical and mental well-being because it only takes 30 minutes to work towards a fitter future.

It is also a reminder that exercise can be fun, varied and sociable. Children are more likely to keep exercising if they’re doing an activity they enjoy. Shooting some hoops at the local basketball court, walking around one of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, or having a family bike ride are all ways to get active without making it into a chore. Parents can invite their children's friends to also join the activity.

Use competition as a motivator

Setting a challenge can be a great motivator. Parents can make it a contest between themselves and their children to see who can run faster, do more jumping jacks – or who can have the longest daily track record of sticking to DFC’s goal, which encourages 30 minutes of daily exercise.

Give gifts that promote physical activity

Rollerblades, bicycles, ice skates, soccer balls and even active-play video games make great gifts that promote physical activity. Activity-tracking apps and technologies also are fun choices for kids.

Limit screen time – and be encouraging

The prevalence of technology and digital screens can affect children’s physical activity.  Instead, parents should offer children active options, like joining an after-school programme, taking lessons in a sport they enjoy, or family playtime.

Also, encouragement goes a long way. Not all children are created physically equal; guide and encourage kids to increase their activity level.

Choosing physical activities children will enjoy, stay positive and get moving can create a fitter future for all.

Take advantage of DFC’s youth activities and school programmes

DFC Youth Football Tournament

Schools are  once again heavily involved in this year’s DFC, with many  new exciting activities launched this edition such as the Youth Football Tournament, taking place during the challenge.

Four individual tournaments will be staged for children aged 14 and under and 11 and under, including two specifically for girls at DP World Kite Beach Fitness Village.

DFC Local Legends

To help inspire and motivate the next generation of fitness enthusiasts and DFC superstars,  DFC 2022 has invited a range of local athletes to share their incredible achievements and stories of motivation across various schools and universities citywide across the 30 days of DFC.

School Visits to DFC Fitness Villages

DFC 2022 will also support children across the city with its School Visit Programme, allowing kids to get active and engaged with visits to the DP World Fitness Village Kite Beach and RTA Last Exit Al Khawaneej Fitness Village, where they can improve their flexibility, cardio, coordination and mental wellbeing through easy, and enjoyable exercises from October 31 until November 25.