As an adult, you know how hard it can be to begin and stick to a regular exercise program, especially if you have been sedentary. Exercise can prevent many chronic and serious health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Children should begin exercising when they are young to avoid developing similar problems and to reap the additional benefits of regular physical activity.
Benefits
As it is for adults, exercise is beneficial for children. Regular physical activity can help your child stay at his ideal weight for his age and height. It can also reduce your child's stress level, help him to burn off excess energy and allow him to sleep better. Getting into the habit of exercising may make it more likely that he will stick to a regular workout program as an adult. Participating in individual or team sports may also raise your child's self-esteem.
Elements of Fitness
As you watch your child run around, play and exercise, you should notice three elements that will help her stay physically fit. First, she should have the endurance or stamina to keep moving for a period of time. Playing a game of soccer, playing tag and running a race can all help your child build endurance. As she pumps her legs on a swing or propels herself across the monkey bars, you can see that she is developing strength in her muscles. And different motions, such as bending and twisting, help develop flexibility.
Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every child and teenager get at least an hour of physical activity each day. Most of this should come from aerobic activity, such as running, walking or swimming. Younger children especially may get this type of exercise simply from playing outdoors with their friends on a regular basis. More of this exercise can come from certain chores at home, such as pulling weeds or mopping the floor. Some of your child's exercise should also include muscle and bone strengthening exercises, such as gymnastics or jumping rope.
How You Can Help
If you don't think that your child is getting enough exercise, you can help by limiting the amount of time that he spends in front of the television or computer to 2 hours or less per day. Encouraging the whole family to participate in after-dinner walks or impromptu soccer or badminton games in the backyard can also get your child moving and having fun. Offer to sign up your child for a team or individual sport, and allow him to try several types of programs until he finds one that he enjoys.
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