“This post contains affiliate links. If you shop using these links I make a small commission, but you are never charged any extra! And as always, my opinions are completely my own.”
In last week’s blog, we talked about how active video games can lead to kids participating in other physical activities. Finding ways to get your nerd moving can be tricky, especially if they do not like participating in group activities. There are several nerdy and non-nerdy activities that can get your kiddo moving and away from the screen.
Pediatricians recommend at least 60 minutes of exercise per day for children over 6 years old. If your nerd is big on keeping a schedule and using a planner have them block out the time every week that they will be exercising and what they will be doing. For many nerds, just having it written down will ensure that it is done.
Rocketry
Rocketry is a great activity that can get your nerd moving. Going out to a launch site and having to hike for miles into the desert to find where your rocket has landed is an exciting activity in addition to a physical one. My kids, who are big nerds, get especially excited when we have a night launch in our area. They will put gladly put on their headlamps and trek out into the desert to find a lost rocket. The Estes Athena Rocket Kit
Geocaching
Treasure hunting with GPS. What could be more fun? Geocaching is a new and better version of hide-and-go-seek. People leave hidden treasure and will leave GPS coordinates along with clues to help you find it. You can also hide a treasure and leave coordinates for someone else. There are several phone apps for Geocaching but the most popular is Groundspeak. Using the app, you can locate caches that are in biking or hiking distance. This is a great activity for the nerd with an adventurous side.
Paintball
This is one for the older nerds in your life. Spending ½ a day in a paintball field will wear out any kid. They will be running, climbing, crawling, and squatting. For nerds who are big into first-person shooting games, this is a great way for them to try out their aim away from the gaming console. This would not be the activity for every nerd. It is important that you look at the maturity level of your child and your personal views on guns of any kind before deciding on this activity. Safety equipment is extremely important in this activity.
LARPing
This is one for the hardcore nerd in your life. Live Action Role Playing is awesome. LARPing allows your nerd to bring their role-playing game characters to life. They could put on armor and take part in a quest or full-fledged battle. Normally, these events take place in wooded areas where your nerd can battle it out against their enemies. For a list of LARPing events near you, check out LARPing.org.
Individual Sports
The important thing is to find a sport or physical activity that your nerd is interested in. There are many sports that can be done on their own rather than in a team situation if that is the main issue that keeps your nerd from participating in sports.
For a nerd that craves physical activity but does not want to be part of a team, there are many individual sports and organized activities that can boost fitness, such as:
- swimming
- golf
- horseback riding
- dance classes
- inline skating
- crossfit
- running
- skateboarding
- hiking
- tennis
- cycling
- disc golf
- fencing
- gymnastics
- martial arts
- yoga
- ultimate frisbee
Bringing Tech to Exercise
If tech gadgets Inspire your child to compete against others, a Fitbit
Other Suggestions
Even small things can help. Making simple changes like sitting on a yoga ball or using a standing desk can help. Using a yoga ball to sit on while working on the computer can increase core strength because the abdominal muscles must be constantly engaged to avoid falling off. Standing or walking desks can also keep your nerd moving while they still maintain eye contact with the screen.
What You Can Do
Talk with your child’s doctor before they begin any exercise program. Make sure your nerd has a convenient time and place to exercise and help them find an activity that they enjoy. It is important to provide a safe environment and the proper equipment. Coaches can often provide a list of retailers that can assist in getting you the best fit and price for sports equipment. Make sure your child’s clothing is comfortable and appropriate.
Getting a nerdy child interested in physical activity starts early. When your child is young, provide active toys. This will help introduce your child to a less sedentary lifestyle. Young children especially need easy access to balls, jump ropes, and other active toys.
Be a good role model by participating yourself or playing a sport with your child. The most important thing to remember is to make time for exercise for both of you because your health matters too.
If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these posts also about kids and sports:
Enjoying MommyNerdist? Sign up for our free newsletter today!
Comments
I love this blog! I wish my kids were young enough to try some of these suggestions