We’ve all heard that exercise and proper nutrition are important components of good health, and that is even more so for our kids. Because kids are growing both physically and mentally, forming good habits early in life can lead to a healthier, more productive adulthood.
Exercise for kids can consist of many different activities – playing tag on the playground during school recess, climbing the monkey bars on a family visit to the park, summer swim lessons, family walks, or everyday chores like taking out the trash and mowing the lawn. Even simple activities like tying their shoes can increase flexibility, which leads to better movement patterns.
Some of the many benefits to kids exercising is excess weight control, stronger muscles and bones, better sleep patterns, and a brighter outlook on life.
Weight control for kids has become a more pressing issue in our daily lives, as processed snacks have grown in popularity, and opportunities for exercise have decreased. Childhood obesity rates are increasing at an alarming rate in the U.S. (as of 2016, 31% of kids ages 10 to 17 were categorized as overweight or obese 1 ), so any time we can get our kids to move more is a step towards fighting the obesity epidemic. Exercise for kids can also help maintain a steady, healthy weight. Moving more can be as easy as regular visits to the playground, walking the family dog as a chore, or planning special outings like a weekend bike ride to their favorite restaurant for lunch.
Exercise also helps kids develop stronger muscles and bones and reduce the risk of injury. Stronger muscles, including the ability to lift one’s own bodyweight, keep kids healthier in general and supports better posture as they grow. Stronger bones not only support skeletal structure through their growing years but can also prevent the onset of osteoporosis later in life. And strong muscles and bones help prevent injuries by guiding and supporting proper movement patterns as kids run, jump, and play.
By moving more, kids will use more energy throughout the day, which in turn can help them sleep better at night. Exercise may also reduce insomnia by decreasing arousal and anxiety. When kids get the sleep they need (10 to 11 hours per night for 5 to 12-year olds 2 ), their bodies and brains get the chance to rebuild and grow stronger.
Finally, when kids exercise more they tend to receive greater mental stimulation, stabilize mood swings, and improve mental focus and cognitive skills. A New York Times article cited a recent study showing children’s scores on math and reading tests rise if they go for a walk beforehand 3. Exercise can help stimulate brain cell growth and endorphin production as well, which has been shown to increase positive feelings. So exercising can help your kids feel better about themselves too.
Overall, exercising can help kids control their weight, develop stronger bodies, sleep better, increase cognitive skills, and have a more positive outlook on the world around them.
Would you like a complimentary Macaroni Kid 5 day family pass? Please contact Tiana Hicks at (510) 226-8510 or via email tiana.hicks@clubsports.com and she will hook you up!
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ClubSport Fremont is located at 46650 Landing Parkway in Fremont.
1 Annie E. Casey Foundation Blog, January 30, 2018
2 “Why Kids Need Exercise”, Care.com, March 12, 2018
3 “How Exercise Can Boost Young Brains, NYTimes, October 8, 2014
