Exercise for Kids

Tips and for engaging Kids to Exercise!

Everyone would agree that our kids are our most valuable resource. They are our future and

should be given every opportunity to grow and develop into well adjusted adults. The

concern at present is the lack of physical activity our young children are getting on a daily

basis. With the introduction of technology and the use of mobile devices, our children are

spending more time idly sitting and less time outside playing and engaging in physical

activity.

The research supports this noting that 74% of children between the ages of 5 and 10 do not get enough exercise on a daily basis, based on the 60 minutes of daily physical activity recommended in the government’s Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

The challenges faced by adults and the wider community is the lack of time parents now have combined with the enjoyment children receive by using electronic devices. Parents are noting that it is getting harder to find time to enroll their children in sport, play with them outside and plan a healthy and nutritional menu. They are also battling with the advancements in technology with the introduction of 3D games, mobile devices, integrated screens and mobile TV.

These challenges though are presenting their own issues with children now experiencing a rise in obesity levels. Recent research demonstrates that children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.

So what is the Answer?

There is no magic pill that a parent can give their child to automatically fix this issue. It is

extremely complex involving many factors. For the sake of this article, I have identified some

simple strategies that could be incorporated to encourage children to exercise more

frequently:

Fly a kite in the park or at the beach is a simple way to burn calories and be active Dance to your favorite music is a great way for your children to burn calories quickly Play a family game of table tennis. Swim and splash about at the local pool. Throw a Frisbee. Jump on a trampoline.

By encouraging your children to participate in these exercise activities you are not only providing physical health benefits but you are helping them mentally and emotionally. Extensive research has also been conducted demonstrating the true benefits of physical activity. Below I have summarized these benefits:

Improvements in a child’s emotional wellbeing Helps children feel more confident, happy, relaxed, improve self- esteem and self

concept, sense of belonging, ability to sleep better, self expression and the opportunity to achieve.

Encourages healthy growth and development of children’s bodies, including feeling more energetic, developing coordination and movement control and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Improves overall mental health Improves concentration skills and ability to manage anxiety and stress. Improves social skills Develops skills such as cooperation and teamwork, and is a great way to have fun,

meet new people and develop friendships and integration.

It only takes 30 minutes a day for your child to reap the benefits of physical activity.

Although time may be a factor, it is imperative for your kid’s health and fitness wellbeing

that you devote this time to them.

To learn more visit: http://www.smashfit4kids.com/