Outdoor play time is dwindling for many kids. Today's children often spend hours in front of the television, computer or video game screens instead of playing outdoors. Kids who play outdoors get their hearts pumping, burn off energy and might even feel less stress on top of the physical benefits they receive.
Endurance
Active outdoor play helps kids build up their physical endurance. Typical outdoor play activities might include running, climbing, skating or riding bikes, all of which are aerobic activities. When performed with intensity, the heart and lungs work harder. This increased workload strengthens the heart and lungs. This helps the body work more efficiently and allows the child to eventually be able to do those activities more intensely or for longer periods of time. Physical outdoor activities also strengthen the bones and muscles in the body.
Coordination
Outdoor play helps kids develop their fine and gross motor skills to become more physically coordinated. Large movement activities, such as running or bike riding, work on the gross motor skills. These are the larger muscle movements. Activities like playing in the sandbox or picking up natural items work on the fine motor skills. These activities use smaller muscle movements and work on hand-eye coordination. Both types of motor skills are key to a child's physical development.
Weight Control
Active outdoor play is a form of exercise for kids of all ages. Staying physically active helps a child keep his weight under control, especially if he is at risk of becoming overweight. Children who are already overweight or obese might be able to lower their weight if they play actively outdoors. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities when they spend time outdoors. Play a game of tag, take a walk around the block or let your toddler chance and pop bubbles you blow.
Vitamin D Production
Time spent outdoors in the sunshine can also help your child stay healthier. The sunlight stimulates vitamin D production in the body. This vitamin plays a role in the immune system, helping it fight off infections. Vitamin D also helps the muscles function properly and helps strengthen the bones.
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