Are Your Kids Getting Enough Exercise?

A child’s lifestyle is quite different today than that of generations past. So, the question is, are your kids getting enough exercise?

Let’s face it, in today’s contemporary society where video games and tablets are the norm, children are not as keen to play around in the yard or explore the neighborhoods on their bikes as they should be. Are your kids getting enough exercise? It’s your responsibility as the adult and the parent to ensure that your children are getting enough exercise.

Although technology has helped to create wonderful and helpful gadgets, the key lies in finding a balance where technology is used in moderation. There is nothing wrong with allowing your children to play video games. However, the problems begin when your children are not getting the right amount of physical activity and exercise because of the gadgets.

Fitness is a critical component for the growth of a child. Active children not only develop stronger bones and muscles, but they also enjoy the decreased chance of excess weight gain, as well as improved levels of energy and self-esteem. Despite the various benefits of exercise on the body, a majority of parents still fail to incorporate fitness related activities to the routine. It is not enough for your child to be happy, they have to be healthy as well to live a productive life.

Incorporating some activities into your child’s daily routine should not be difficult. For the most part, if your kids are already attending school, they are already participating in some of physical activity at their school. However, when at home or when school is closed, the children should also be encouraged to get moving and not allowed to just sit and lounge all day. For your kids to participate in enough exercise, they should be involved in activities that include:

Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise for children includes any activity that allows your child to jump, run or be lively. Aerobic activities should get the heart rate up and the heart pumping, which will contribute to the development of a strong cardiovascular system. Aerobic activities can include moderate activities such as walking to more intense ones such as running, riding bikes or participating in a sport that demands fast and regular movement.

Muscle Strengthening
Activities that strengthen the muscles such as rope or rock climbing target specific sets of muscles to improve your child’s flexibility, coordination, and range of movement.

Bone Strengthening
Activities that improve the health of your child’s bones include exercises that involve resistance and weight bearing such as moving on monkey bars, running, swimming or jumping. These exercises are vital for preventing weak bones and conditions such as osteoporosis.

Exercise and proper diet are not only essential for healthy children, it’s also reinforcing healthy lifestyle habits that will follow them the rest of their life.

To increase the exercise your kids are getting, check out our article, Fun and Easy Ways To Get in Shape. It features some great ideas suitable for family outings. The whole family gets a workout while spending time together. That’s a win-win!

Photo © Zdyma4 | Dreamstime.com – Children Doing A Bridge Exercise