The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is recommending that each child's stocking contains at least one toy this Christmas that will help to boost activity levels, improve fitness, and decrease obesity.
Here are eight suggestions from Physiobench for kids' Christmas presents that will be both fun and promote good health:
1. Skipping Rope
A new take on this old favourite is the rainbow skipping rope which lights up and makes an arc of colour as the child exercises.
Skipping rhymes were once commonplace at school playtimes, but many are now forgotten. learn some new ones, or revive the old with a Jump Rope Book
2. Parachute Bear
Kids will gain more than their 60 minutes of exercise a day with a Parachute bear - without realising that they are doing anything other than having a good time.
The bear flies as a kite, when the child is ready they release the catch and the bear floats down to earth on his parachute whilst the child runs round trying to catch him. Good laughter therapy for the adults too!
3. Football
Another all time favourite. If Dad's not up to a game there's always swingball football. The football is on a piece of elastic so also prevents lost balls and broken windows.
4. Swing
We all remember endless hours on the swing from our own childhood, and the funny thing is it seemed effortless then. Try it now and feel quite how much it makes the stomach muscles work!
5. Wii fit
An exercise method no child will baulk at. The Wii Fit is recommended by the Department of Health's Change for Life Campaign
6. Scooter
Another one that seemed easy as a child. Try it again now and you'll realise quite how much exercise a child is getting on a scooter. A scooter's also a good way of making the walk to school a bit quicker and more fun.
7. Dance Mat
Available to appeal to different ages from Winnie the Pooh versions to Camp Rock designs. A dance mat gets a child working on their balance and aerobic fitness without leaving the living room.
8. Skateboard
A toy that's fun and builds aerobic fitness. Many councils now even provide special areas in parks for kids to skateboard
Generally if its fun it's no trouble getting children to be active. Even small amounts of exercise decreases the risk of obesity, diabets and heart disease, and there are plenty of toys that get children active without them even realising they are exercising.
