From their earliest years, our kids imitate us.  Whether it’s walking like we do or repeating things we've said, youngsters who watch Mom and Dad placing a lot of importance on personal fitness will follow in those footsteps... or become couch potatoes if that's what they see us doing. 

There are a variety of ways to teach your child about fitness, why it’s important, how to get them interested enough to participate, and show them it’s actually fun as well.

Perhaps you have toddlers at home and have an exercise routine of your own.  For example, you put an exercise DVD on every morning while your child plays nearby.  Suddenly, your child is mimicking your every move.  This is where it begins.
Mom is having fun and so is the child. My 4 year old and 6 year old think it's just hilarious to do Pilates moves they've seen me do. They're actually quite good since they're so flexible!

As your child grows, and your exercise routine involves walking, you may begin by utilizing a stroller, then later on, having the child walk with you, hand in hand.  Eventually, you may begin jogging with your now-older kid beside you, keeping up with every step.

Fitness doesn’t have to be a laborious exercise.  It can be fun utilizing creative and new methods to make it so.  If you have a good time exercising, your child will too.  Physical fitness is important for children as well as adults, and the more you incorporate fitness into your daily routine, the more your child will inevitably want to follow in your footsteps.

Children learn what they live.  If your home is filled with physical activity, your child will likely grow up to be an active adult. Focus on activities that require movement instead of ones that only require sitting, such as movies, TV and computer and video games. Some examples include:

Taking nature walks
Swimming
Sports
Playing at a playground
Hopscotch
Jumping rope
Mini trampoline/rebounder
Inflatable jumpers