Getting Homeschooled Kid to Exercise

Dear C. W.,
Perhaps Boy Scouts or 4H would interest him. He sounds like he isn't interacting with his peers much, and they might be able to motivate him better than you. They might start talking about activities that are active and will interest him. Good luck!
L.

You can have him go to a public school for just PE (and music if you like) I've a public school teacher and I've seen homeschoolers come to school just for PE and Music before. When it's scheduled into his day, then he might be more likely to do it, especially if he's going to make friends while doing so.

We have a swiss ball (core ball) it looks like a toy but has a lot of benefits you can exercise wile siting in front of a computer and just "playing" on it gives you a work out, but most of all its plain fun.

Hi C.,

I homeschool my son also and it is part of our day to either ride our bikes, go for a nature walk or head to a park for a little while to hit the ball around or shoot hoops. Also I don't know where you live but we have a homeschool association that we are a part of and there is a group of homeschoolers that meet every Wednesday at a different park for the kids to play. Also I have had my son in wrestling and am now going to look into a sport he can do this Spring. We don't own a t.v. and he only gets about a 1/2 hour 2x week at the computer playing games. The computer is such a mind sucker as well as video games. I agree with the other comment about turning it off and getting outside with him. Tie those strings and build character. May God give you creative ideas and bless your time together.

M.

C.,

You could always do what your parents did to you before the age of video games. Kick his butt outside and tell him to go play. I remember many a summer day climbing my grandma's maple tree, or just told to plain old play outside.

Another thought is check out your local YMCA. I know the one here in Bothell has a special swimming program for homeschooled kids. For us here in Lynnwood, WA it's called Homezone. I don't know much about it, but it is a special time set aside for homeschooled kids to get in the water and have swim lessons (I think) or just play around in the pool.

Hope this helps,
Melissa

My daughter (6) is a bit of a "couch potato" -- loves computer and TV. We have explained that too much computer/TV is bad for her body and brain so we will use timers and then take a break.

One of the best things we did was to get a trampoline (one with sides) -- she loves jumping and I can usually get her to go out and do that. Sometimes its the getting out the door that's hard (for me too!) but once we're out we have a good time. I have also tried to figure out what she really likes best and then kind of insisted on that -- in a structured way (e.g., swim lessons twice a week). I have also realized that I need to "practice what I preach" so have been trying to get out and exercise more myself. I don't homeschool but have also heard that different youth organizations (e.g., soccer) sometimes have times for homeschoolers, so you might see what's available. Hope that helps!

I'd suggest trying some hobbies that the two of you (or three, including your husband) can do together - and then get out there and have fun! Plan a couple times a week to do soemthing together so that it is something you both look forward to. He probably won't resist if the exercise is contained within a fun activity that represents time spent together. Ideas would include biking - I'm sure there are lots of great trails to explore around, hiking - ditto, rock climbing, tennis, shooting hoops, swim at a local pool, play frisbee, in-line skating, etc. I was never much of an organized sports kid myself, I found as an adult that I am much more likely to exercise if it is non-competitive and something that I can do with someone, thus a social activity. As an adult I love distance running (with a friend), long walks (ditto), in-line skating, and active games that are not overly competitive. Experiment until you find something he likes and then encourage the development of his interest in it. Good luck!

I'd say set it up as a "class". My hubby and his brother and sister were homeschooled and this worked for them as they got older.
Set aside a specific time and plan a specific activity that has to be participated in ie: the two of you can join a bowling league, tennis tuesdays; even if it is just the two of you doing the activity it will end up being fun. Become his very own PE teacher if necessary.
I believe that alot of areas have homeschooled sports programs as well. If your area doesn't check out the community center for what activities they provide.
Most of the time the "I don't want to do this" attitude melted away quickly once the activity got underway, from what I have been told.
My niece prefers to not do much in the way of physical activities (9yrs old) so her parents have her choose a sport each season that she will do. She has recently ended basketball, thier team lost every game but they had fun and she enjoyed playing. She has just started softball and so far seems to be enjoying herself.
Hope I wasn't repeating other posts to much, I didn't have a chance to read them sorry..... Have fun!

Hi C.,

I am not sure where you live, but the Morgan Family YMCA in Tacoma has a great homeschool activity program. They offer lots of different activities for kids of all ages. This might be just what your guy needs and he will be able to play with other kids too!

Hope that helps,
A.

Mt. Scott Community Center has a PE-type class specific to kids who are home schooled. The kids get some exercise and they also get to meet kids who are being home schooled as well.

K. S.

Hi! I have been a childrens Physical Educaton Specialist for 10 years and a mom of two kids. THe best advice I have is to get active as a family. Rather than making it "exercise", just go out for a walk and throw a frisbee around on a nice day. WHen that becaomes and easy habit then you can focus on picking up the walking pace.Keep it casual and very fun. Kids get bored easily so working out on equipment usually dosen't work well.

ANother option is looking into home school fitness programs. For example, Mt. Hood Aquatic Center in Gresham has a home school swim program.

Good luck!!
D.

Does Brandon have any older siblings that are physically active? If one of the older children participate regularly in a sport or activity, maybe they could take him along with them. If not I would suggest that YOU or Dad are going to have to get involved in an activity with him. It is clear that he is not going to do it on his own. Does he have any friends that he could go rollerskating or bowling with? If there is an active scout troop in your area it would be a great place for him to meet new friends and he is at the age that the kids are going on camping trips. Just make sure that it is an active troop. Some troops don't do much of anything. We have a community center that has all types of different activities for the kids to participate in. You just need to check out different services and more than likely you are going to have to go with him or force him to go until he makes new friends or finds something he is interested in.

How active are you? I've found children emulate the activity of their parents. If your family has not up until now had an active lifestyle I wouldn't expect him to adopt better habits.

Here's my suggestion - YOU go on the walk, and require him to go with you. If you take the walk as good for YOU and doing it yourself you might have success doing more "showing" and less "lecturing". As far as requiring him to go, you can use a little Love and Logic, "Son, I let you have a lot of freedom in general. You get to do X, Y, and Z. But I'm not willing to have a family that coops itself up so we're going to go for a walk daily / three times a week / whatever." Use humor and kindness and determination. Make it a commitment and go rain or shine.

YMMV according to the nature of your child. I have found my children to be very active and cheerfully so (they are younger than yours though, so we'll see) - because my husband and I are active (mostly biking these days, even in the rain!), and they come along with us. I should add we don't view it as a chore but enjoy it.

Good luck!

When I try to get my sons to break away from the electronics I don't ask. I just tell them this is what we are doing and this is what time. I still get grumbles, but they slowly start moving, then when we get going we ususally have a pretty good time. It sounds like you (like me) have to be his movtivator to move. Perhaps a regular time duting the week, so he still grumbles, but knows it coming. :)

Hi C.,

I also have a 13yo homeschooled son, and I think you share this problem with many parents! My first question would be is there a Dad in the picture? If yes, I would definately suggest getting him actively involved. The best thing for my son has been playing baseball with his Dad and doing work projects together. It's kind of a guy thing.

Second, I have to really limit my son's non-schoolwork screen time. For us that includes TV and computer. I allow my son 2 hours/day (including weekends) which seems like a lot, but when you are home all day it goes fast. He has to set a timer on the computer desk when he is using time so he and I know when he is done. For us 9am-3pm is considered school time, so screen time cannot be used then. If he has idle time he is not choosing to spend wisely he has to help me with housework (NOT HIS FAVORITE!)

Is there somewhere close by that he could walk to or ride his bike to run an errand for you? Sometimes just getting them out the door is 90% of the battle. Once he is on his bike or out walking he feels better and enjoys it.

As you can see, I have a lot of ideas, so go ahead and e-mail me privately if you would like to chat further!

Blessings to you!
J.
www.pamperedchef.biz/janetisenberg

My only suggestion is to get out there with him! As I'm sure you've learned over the course of raising your other kids, example is the most effective way to influence kids. I am not sure exactly what area you are in, but the Mt. Hood Athletic Club in Sandy has great programs for kids his age, and for Mom's your age (our age...I'm 36). It would also be a way for him to be around kids his age. Maybe it would be beneficial to present the "choice" of which sport to participate in, not whether to participate or not. "you can do basketball, soccer, baseball or swimming. Chose one." I wish I had more suggestions. My baby is only 6m but I already think about how I'm going to motivate her to be active. My mom never made me take part in any extracurricular activities as a kid (because I didn't want to and she never pushed me). I regret it now and wish she had presented me with 4 options ("not doing it" not being one of the choices) and made me follow through with it, at least for the season/class I signed up for.

How about you say the two of you will do it together?? It is really hard to get a teenager moving. I remember my mother telling us to get out of the house and blow some of that stink off of you!! That doesn't work today, but it did back then. If possible, I would say that for 20 minutes each day, WE have to go and work out at the gym, don't give him an option, maybe that will get him motivated enough, good luck.

Hi C.,
My son was the same way when he was 11-12. We went thru every sport... basketball, soccer, you name it. All he wanted to do in his spare time was play computer games. Finally I did something I never dreamed I would. I signed him up for football. He begged me to tear up the application, and cried. Finally he agreed to try it. It was the most grueling thing he had ever done. He didn't really love it. But it turned a couch potato into a fit and healthy boy. Now he is doing rowing, and loves it. He may choose to continue rowing, or go back to football in the fall. Whatever he chooses is fine with me, as long as he is getting the exercise he needs.
I grew up with a mom in a wheelchair. I always felt guilty when I ran and played. So I hung around, doing sedentary things that wouldn't hurt her feelings. As a result, I became a sedentary adult. As soon as I quit smoking and had a baby I gained 80 lbs. I am not one of those jock mothers, far from it. But I know that kids who engage in physical activity with kids their own age, form a valuable bond, and sense of self esteem. If there is a YMCA or sports league in your area, I would look into it. And I would insist that he give it a try. You may go thru alot of sports, but eventually, he will find something he loves and is good at.
Good luck!

I would give him an option of some sort of team sport. It will help him interact with kids he may not interact with because he's home schooled and will encourage him to work with his peers. He may not be motivated to do things because he hasn't been active in a while and may be afraid. Once he sees his successful doing whatever sport or activity he chooses it may increase his motivation to do other things as well. Since he spends most of his time in front of the computer I would limit his computer time outside of school and also his screen time in front of the television. Perhaps an art class in the evenings or something else you can do as a family.

Here are some thoughts for you . . . go for a walk with him, and make it a part of your daily routine. Now that it is getting nicer outside, that will be easier. I'd also consider signing him up for sports. I was homeschooled through high school and swam with the nearby high school. I loved the exercise and being a part of a team. I understand now as a parent that it is a risk you have to take, but prayer works!

Walk, ride bikes, drive to a park to hike in with him. Example is the best teacher. No one likes to exercise, especially alone. Also, there are some fun video games that use exercise like the dance games and it looks like from what I have seen the wii has more physical activities. Also look into things like your local rec center that may have activites he can try out to get his interent in sports piqued. Also, he should be able to participate in gym class or school sports with out actually being in school. Thats what I and my brothers all did/do as homeschoolers. and last but not least, kick him off the computer, tv, games and see what he can think of on his own to stay busy. Good Luck, Jen

I wouldn't make it optional. I would make exercise part of his homeschooling. Public schooled children have to take gym class. Find 2-3 options for a physical activity (swimming, martial arts, soccer,etc) and let him choose between those instead of letting him choose not to do anything. Setting a standard of good health now will follow him for the rest of his life.

I would find sport or physical activities at the local YMCA, Community Center, or sports leagues and have your son pick one that might be interesting and get him involved. I wouldn't give him a choice to not do something. Sports are a great experience for kids. They teach them so many valiable life lessons and they gain friends which are also very important.

I would tell him it is time for some fun and have him pick his fun. It could be soccer, swimming, baseball, hockey, basketball, football, skating, biking, climbing, running, shot put, volleyball, walking, power walking, wrestling, golf or something else. There are so many sports. My son started soccer at 4 and now plays professional soccer and was the captain of his university soccer team. He is also a natural at golf. I went to nearly every soccer game through his first two years of college. I really encouraged him playing at first as he was so shy but down the road he loved it. I invited some of his team over as often as possible and got involved with other soccer moms. He was too shy to play T-ball or baseball as it was a too many eyes on the batter kind of sport. A team sport like soccer meant he could just fade into the team and have fun playing soccer. He just needs to find his nitch but he needs some structure to get his started too. It will be good for the whole family to get involved if you can. He will make friends in a short time and things will progress. Good luck to you!

C.,

My sister homeschools her three boys and she has them involved in homeschool kid sports. I am not sure how to get in contact with your area homeschooling sport groups, but I know most areas have them. Her boys are on a swim team and they compete with other homeschool kids. Your son is a teenager so it would be great to even get out and play frisbee or bike, skateboard or try sailing or something with another kids his age. Why not connect with your local home school group or just start trying some things. Often times you can try a lesson for free, such as golf or sailing, just to see if you like it. I would look in your local paper for ads.

Anyway, summer is coming so there will be lots of activities available. Also, I learned to do many new things at camp. What about enrolling him in a weeks long camp trip with lots of activiites? They often have scholarships too. Anyway, just a thought.

Good Luck,
G.

It sounds as if you're willing to do active things with him, this is a good thing. My son is not sports inclined, he is active. I personally would limit his computer time, etc... to assignments needed only until he goes to work out or goes for a walk. Exercise is important for us, but so is just getting out from in front of a tv or computer for a visit with a friend or a slow walk. I am an introvert, as well as my husband and son, but I have learned forcing myself to give up my books and alone time, to get out just for a little while has a great impact on my well being. Maybe he could chose a place to go a time or two a week to be active and have more social interaction, such as the Y or a club he would enjoy. That may lead to being more active through participation and eventually when he finds a niche he likes, he would enjoy it. I would just say, "Here are your choices.... pick one this many times a week, then you can have computer time back."
I realize this advice isn't foolproof, but I think if downtime was limited until he was active, it would help physically and emotionally. He probably won't like it at first, but it'll come with time. Just based on childhood education material I've been trained in, I know he needs a push to be more active and involved. Give him a choice of how he wants to be active, but take away the choice of sitting at a desk until he has done something active that day. I hope this helps. ~A.

Set up a schedule when you and your child can workout together. Make it a family ritual and then everyone gets healthy. Then when you are finished reward yourselfs with a rousing board game or something that you all enjoy together. This has always worked for us. God Speed, T.

He *must* get up and get away from that computer. I make my living sitting at this box 8+ hours/day, and I can assure you that it's necessary for his long-term health.

I understand wanting to give kids a choice, but it's a matter of WHICH choices. Not exercising isn't an option. He can choose which exercise he'd like to do, and he can choose which time of day he does it... but he has to do it. Then when the time comes, you aren't dictating - you're simply reminding him of what he decided to do earlier.

Set up some obstacle courses...
Have a treat (popsicle) after exercising (and only after!)...
Does he have friends that exercise?

I agree that it shouldn't be optional. You are responsible for keeping him healthy. I hate to exercise personally but I started taking pole dancing classes and it is really hard but since it is so fun I LOVE to go and exercise!

I also agree about you taking a walk and making him go. Does he have an mp3 player? That may make it more enjoyable for him. You could even download books to listen to and share the headphones.

Hi, my name is Jana and I also am a homeschool mom. I have a 13 y/o and an 8 y/o. Both boys are ADHD and have some other issues. We are always looking for new friends and looking for outings. Where do you live? We are in Kennewick near Park Middle School. Maybe we can get the kids together to hang out and get some exercise and we can actually talk and have an adult conversation...I know I can always use that..

Jana

I feel a little funny suggesting this but, it came to mind when I read your post. (Results may not be typical, LOL)
We were one of many that bought the Wii this past Christmas. It was a big decision for me and my husband to bring a "video console" into our home. My son (7) is very hard to get motivated when it comes to being active and exercising.
Since we got the Wii, he has been "exercising" almost everyday. The Wii forces you to be on your feet and moving and its fun! My son has been more willing to play real games after trying them on the Wii (like golf, tennis, baseball, bowling, etc.) We monitor his playtime and limit the Wii time but, all in all...its been a great way to get my kids (and US!!!!) moving.
Its a bit of investment and a very unorthodox suggestion but, maybe a way to get your son exercising?

One of the things that keeps my kids moving is that they see me moving. I run and work out at the gym. My son loves to play, but now that he is 6, we are "training" for a 5k run in August. He runs with me and the dog and also with my husband...great one on one time for him with each of us. Sometimes we just run to the store for a treat! Also, when teaching science you can go on a nature hike or to the zoo. If about history, go to the museum or to see the Spruce Goose exhibit in McMinville. You can also sign up for the Presidents Health Challenge at www.presidentschallenge.org. it started March 20th, but I think you can still sign up.

My siblings and I were home schooled up until high school. We were constantly outside playing. We also spent a lot of time playing with another family that was homeschooled. However, my youngest brother, who just turned 15 is the only one home now, so he doesn't have the siblings to play with. Fortunately, for him he is and was really into BMX riding. He has met a lot of friends through this and spends all of his extra time either riding his bike or going roller blading with friends.

Your son seems like he really needs someone to go have fun with him. Do you know other families that home school, that you could get together with at the park or gym to play with? We used to get together and go bowling with a homeschool group. Our town had homeschooling groups you could go do things with, does yours?

I think you also need to figure out what he likes to do. Does he like to ride his bike, bowl, run, rollerblade, skateboard, etc... and just go do it with him or find a place where he can do it with others. I hope this helps.

C.,

Mabee a "Family" activity such as bike riding, tennis, or such.

Hello C.,

What town are you in? In McMinnville we have a homeschooling group that meets every Thursday for P.E. I have a 12 year old son that just loves it! Let me know if you need more information. You can email me at ____@____.com

A.

I agree kids need some sort of physically activity. It is impairative to their health. I too, have a teen who is not excited about any bit of excersize, especially team sports and has medical issues. I have found that driving to an interesting place and walking with her helps. It could be a nature path or even a shopping mall. walking, skating, bike riding, dog walking, tennis, horseback riding, swimming, racket ball, snowboarding, flying a kite, yoga, talk with your child about his interests and the possibilites are endless. Have fun!

Hi C.,

I am a licensed daycare provider. What I do with my children to do their daily exercise is to the exercise with them. They love it when you join in with them. I know your son is 13. Ask him what he would like to do and I know you know, do it with him. For my own boys, they love bike riding, scooter riding, and roller blading. Yesterday, I went to purchase my own roller blades so I can go roller blading with them. I don't know how but I will try just to do it with them. They are usually stuck in the house while I have daycare going during the day. I took the video games from them and now they can't wait to go outside because I participate in their exercise activities. My boys are 8 and 5 years old. My daughter is 17 and she likes to go shopping and I go shopping with her to get the exercise. Hope this would give you some ideas. Also, have some of his friends join in on the things he likes to do.

Love AJ

If you have the money a WII is great! My daughter sweats up a storm after playing that thing. We don't have one ourselves, but we have friends that do. We are currently saving up for one. We are also active outside, but living in the northwest it is nice to have something fun inside to do too. They also have the dance revalution. Those will get you moving too.

You might look in to gymnastic clubs offering P.E. classes for homeschooled kids. I know Flight School Gymnastics offers a homeschool P.E. on Wednesdays for $40.00 and the kids a big group run non-stop for two hours, and the coaches are great. I know that Hillsboro is a long haul from Wilsonville, but I wonder if your local gymnastics clubs might be offering something similar.

Good luck!

Our homeschooled family has discovered Geocaching. It is a modern day form of treasure hunting. The system is set up for GPS usage, but we have found it can be done with GoogleEarth maps (free download).

The Geocache website is: www.geocaching.com . There is a free member option and a paying option. Personally, for starting out the free option is more than enough.

We started geocaching about 1.5yrs ago. Our kids love it. There are a few different kinds of caches. The traditional cache is our kids favorite, because you leave a trinket and take a trinket when you find the cache box. There are virtual caches; these are most often placed in national parks. And then there are 'I was here' caches, where you just leave you name and date.

We loved the cache we found at Carter Falls at Mt. Rainier. We actually hiked past the cache and found a beautiful brook/pond to sit and enjoy the area before returing to find the cache.

Also, the state museums often have free days or reduced admission days; perhaps a field trip day would help get the ball rolling. The Tacoma Art museum has every third Thursday free and the Tacoma History museum has free admissios every Thursday.

Are you doing it too? It's not fun to exercise alone!
Yourself fitness is a computer program that may help get him going.

Hi C.,
Make a calendar of different physical activities for him to do each month, one physical activity a day. He has to have you or your husband initial each activity to confirm that he did it. Make sure to add some blank spots for him to fill in with his own ideas. If he knows it's part of his grade, he'll have to do it. Remind him that public school grades kids on physical fitness and physical fitness knowledge.
Another idea is to get him into after school sports in the school in your district, they cannot turn you away for home schooling unless it's an online school in another district. Or you could enroll him in karate or something like that.
Good luck.

Excersise is important for brain function, too. Is there a friend who is also homeschooled that can meet him at this gym a few days a week? It could be considered like one of his subjects and he can get reward credits for each time he goes. Then he can play basketball with someone and not feel alone in his excersise. Playing with mom maybe isn't too interesting for him. If the weather is good, just tell him, we are going walking today and go to a park or somewhere that isn't around home. If he needs a car to get home, he will have to follow you or walk home. Either way he gets a work out. This will also give you great family time together.

I was homeschooled along with 6 other brothers and sister; my husband and his sister and brother were also; we definitely plan on homeschooling our children.

It is so hard to get out and excercise! Especially with these gloomy rainy days. I would say make it a rule to get away from the computer on breaks. Talk to your friends/his friends' moms and work out something. Or make new friends to motivate him to get out. Friends are the best motivation and will pull him out of his "cave"!I know of a gym day in Salem. There are lots of options, though you might need to make him for his own good! ;P

A SACHSN (Salem Area Christian Homeschool Network) contact is Deborah @ ____@____.com

Good luck and have fun.

Do some Yoga with him. I have found that my kids respond well when I do the project with them. I don't homeschool but, I have kids that would rather watch tv or play games. I turn them off put on their running shoes and shove them out the door. If they aren't sweating when they get back out they go again. My youngest does do yoga with me from a video, I'm also going to try Tai Chi with them. It's a form of martial arts so they think its like karate. Get some videos and try it.
Good luck.

Hi there, I have a 13 year old who sounds very much the same, although he is in public school they only have gym 1/2 the year, and he plays baseball (this year during gym time), so he get's a lot of excercise 1/2 the school year and basically none the other 1/2....we have found he really likes to go to Skate World and roller skate, they have discounted evening rates during the week and also on "no school days" it gets pretty crowded after 12:30, but the morning hours are great. The admission includes the quad skate rental, it's $3 extra for inline skate rental and it's GREAT exercise especially when the weather is bad! Swimming and bowling are also things he loves to do and can have fun while getting exercise! Hope this helps, good luck!
Kari

Don't call it exercise. Computer games are a great diversion and can be extremely habit forming. Even though he's homeschooled you still have access to his neighborhood middle school for classes, enroll him in PE at school. It will provide some social interaction with face time with other kids his age. Or sign him up for baseball, soccer, or take him to the rec hall to shoot hoops, play ultimate frisbee, etc. Call the local high school as he would be a 9th grader in the fall and hook him up with the cross country coach. Running is great. They will work out as a group of kids all summer long, many are involved with track now and he could turn-out and practice for fun with them. My son who was the ultimate computer desk jockey got involved and went from being a football lineman (220) down to a fleet footed runner (160). No he wasn't the fastest person on the team, but the 'team' was an awesome experience. He had played football and track previously. (He has ran and completed 3 marathons since graduating from high school 2 yrs. ago) It's habit forming and the endorphines make them feel extremely good. There are various clubs and organizations where he can get out and do something, such as the Y's Earthcorps. Maybe walking or running is an activity that the three of you could share during the day. There are walking events at 'Beat the Bridge' and the various marathons. A walkman/mp3 player to listen to while walking/running helps keep your pace. Nike has running shoes that track your progress with calorie burn and miles ran. I wish you well.

This is a challenge for some of the less active homeschoolers. Being in competitive sports actually does not ensure a good attitude and habits towards exercise but daily scheduled exercise does. The best tip is to get the family exercising TOGETHER. TAke EVERYONE out for a walk once a day, baring thunderstorms. My oldest daughter does not like any sports but she takes ballet twice a week and I make sure that both of my girls get out on their bikes or some other activity every day. We are also a homeschooling family but my children are 8 almost 9 and 3.5. Does your son have any friends his age? He could go out on his bike, play tennis or even arrange hikes with them.

My boys (11 and 13) would rather play computer than go outside so we bribe them to be active. Well, sort of. They earn poker chips for completing school work, practicing piano and doing P.E. Then they pay for TV and computer time with these chips. P.E can be swim team, climbing the rockwall, running or just playing in the snow or riding their razors outside. They end up earning about an hour of computer and TV time per day. And I don't mind them sitting to do these things once they've finished their schoolwork and gotten some exercise!

I put limits on computer time. The kids are free to play with whatever they want, but computer is only 1 hour per day. Computer time can actually contribute to ADD.

I also tell the kids, "it's time to play outside", and make them go. Often, I will take them to the park or go biking with them myself. Probably if you exercised with your son or went to bhe park or involved yourself in a sport that you both enjoy, that would help get him going.

I would try to get him involved in some sort of team sport. Many public schools will allow homeschooled kids to participate in after-school sports (after all, you are still paying taxes :)
Maybe being around other kids and doing a structured activity would motivate him. Congratulations on being concerned for your sons physical fitness as well as his mental fitness! It is so important!

Hi C.,
Right now I am homeschooling my 8 and 6 year old. I a made a school schedule of all the things they need to get done durning the day. One of the items is Health or you could call it P.E. on it I have scheduled for the x#of jumping jacks, push ups and "froggies". Any way you could just work it in as part of school. I haven't been good about it lately, but you could do a daily walk around the block, etc. Maybe after every half hour of work on the computer he has to get up and do something active. Maybe 5 minutes of stretching and little exercises. I know it's not good to sit constantly in front of a computer. If he does most of his work on the computer, I would limit any extra game time he has on there, and probably move it to the evening hours instead of letting him let him lump it in with his computer time during the day. Sounds like way to much screen time.

I hope all turns out well!