These are the questions that have been asked many times by people that I felt need to be placed so everyone can read them. These are some of the most important basic ideas, suggestions, and tips that you need to get your child active...........

Q: I'm worried about my son. He is very inactive and is getting heavy. What can I do to help him lose weight?

A: The first thing you can do is forget about the idea of "losing weight". Instead of this you should focus on getting your son active and fit. The weight loss will come as a positive effect from this activity. Too much parental pressure put on young children to lose weight may promote eating disorders or a dislike to exercise in the future. Exercise with your children as much as possible. Check out the GKA Articles for some tips and suggestions on how to get your kids active.

Q: The New Year is coming and at this time my family and I always tend to eat rubbish and pack on the Christmas pounds. We try and stick to regular exercise but I am afraid we fit in with the majority of New Zealanders and my good intentions decline after a few months. Can you give me some ideas for staying motivated for more than three months?

A: I wish I had a magic stick to wave over everyone who needs motivation. It's something we all need a modest amount of now and then. But, I'm sorry to say there is no miracle cure. You need to find your internal strength and think of your main reasons to exercise. You have to be ready and willing to get out there and do the work. If you would like some ideas of how to get motivated check out the GKA Articles for that and many more articles on this and many other helpful topics.

Q: Hi, my daughters 8 years old and weighs 62 kilograms. We've tried almost everything. Can you please help us?

A: Kia Ora, you say you have "tried almost everything," but my question for you is have you tried getting her active? All of the trendy diets that you may have tried her on will only decrease her metabolism or slow down her body's ability to burn fat. You need to help her by eating healthy and exercising yourself. This will make it much easier for her! Supply your whole family with a well-balanced diet which is low in fat, low in sugar and high in fiber. You also need to get out and exercise, exercise, exercise. That is the key to weight loss and fitness! If you are new to exercise, try walking five times per week for 15-30 minutes. Just try to get as much exercise as you can. Even walking to and from school or around the shopping mall is considered exercise as long as you don't stop at every corner for a 30-minute break to chat with friends! IF she is not already joined up with a sports group, get her involved. Find a sport she enjoys and get her playing. Play with her at home and support her at her games. You must ensure that she is enjoying what she is doing, this is the same for everyone – they will achieve better results in anything they do if they are having fun and enjoying themselves.

For more activities and ideas for physical fitness and nutrition check out the GKA Articles section. Here you will find articles on many helpful topics. Sign Up with GKA to receive newsletters and many additional sections, including competitions, Free Stuff, great products at reduced prices for members, plus much more inside NOW at GKA!

Good luck!