Just like adults, children need exercise to maintain a healthy life. For some kids, exercise comes without much effort. Even while playing tag, doing cartwheels or climbing on a jungle gym, a child is getting exercise. However, exercise does not come easy for all. In fact, the KidsHealth website states that the percentage of obese children has more than doubled in the past 30 years; this may be partly attributed to children's sedentary lifestyles. This makes exercise more important for children than ever.
Benefits
According to the KidsHealth website, a child who exercises regularly develops strong bones and muscles. He is not as likely to be overweight, because exercise helps lower the amount of body fat. He is also less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Exercise can lower blood pressure and the levels of blood cholesterol. Kids who are fit tend to sleep better and have a more positive outlook on life.
Methods
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are numerous ways a child can exercise. Parents needs to help a child pick an activity that is enjoyable so that she is likely to stick with it. Some examples include organized exercise, like ballet, baseball, cheerleading, gymnastics and volleyball, and solo exercise like swimming, bicycling, jumping rope and yoga. Using a calendar can help plan exercise events and set goals.
Requirements
Exercise requirements depend upon a child's age. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education states that infants should not be sedentary for more than an hour at a time, unless he is sleeping. Preschoolers require 60 minutes of planned physical activity, plus an hour of unstructured free play. School-aged children need an hour of exercise, broken into 15-minute increments.
Encouragement
A parent can encourage a child's physical activity in many way. The KidsHealth website suggests creating a schedule for exercise, signing a child up for age-appropriate activities that are fun and will keep her wanting more. Making small changes to the family's everyday routine---a walk to the park instead of driving---is an easy way to get in some exercise. It's also important to set limits on the amount of time a child can spend on sedentary activities like TV or video games.
Safety
Exercise safety is important---no matter at what age. The University of Michigan Health System recommends evaluating a child's health and medical history before he starts an exercise routine, and making sure the activity is appropriate for his age and health level. It's essential that a child always use the proper protective equipment when playing a sport, and to be sure it all fits properly and is in good repair. Encouraging warm-ups and stretching before and after physical activity protects against injury.
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