Nearly 32 percent of children and adolescents are overweight, and almost 17 recent are obese, a 2010 study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" shows. Achieving a normal body weight is one reason for your child to play at the gym, but there are many other benefits. Taking part in physical activities at the gym may be beneficial to your child's development, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, social skills and mental health. Children who go to the gym regularly may develop healthy exercise habits that last a lifetime.
Reducing Risk for Obesity and Overweight
Helping your child achieve a normal body weight is one of the most important reasons for regular visits to play at the gym. Since obesity is associated with many preventable illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, it is important to teach your child early in life about the benefits of regular physical activity. Also, helping your child reduce body fat may have emotional benefits. Many children and adolescents who are obese have negative feelings about their body.
Cardiovascular Fitness
In addition to reducing body fat, active play at the gym can benefit your child's cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular health is the health of the heart and blood vessels. A review of research studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activities Guidelines Committee has shown that when children take part in endurance activities like running, aerobics, or using exercise machines, their cardiovascular fitness improves. To improve cardiovascular fitness, an endurance exercise session should last 30 to 60 minutes and occur three to four times per week.
Muscular Strength
Another reason that your child should go to the gym and play is to improve the strength of muscles. Children who regularly take part in activities that involve resistance, like situps or biceps curls, have more muscular strength than those who do not do these activitie.
Development and Mental Health
Playing at the gym can contribute to your child's healthy development. Having the time to play helps your child figure out how things work in the world. Learning through play at the gym can help your child gain confidence, and participating in physical activities may reduce your child's risk for depression and anxiety.
Social and Family
Your child may enjoy socializing with other people when visiting the gym. If your gym has organized activities, your child may be able to interact in a positive way with other children and adults. Team sports at the gym may help your child learn how to work with other people. However, it is important to consider whether your child is developmentally ready for an organized sport (See Reference 5). Younger children may lack the attention span or physical abilities to take part in many sports. Also, your child may benefit by playing with you at the gym. Your child may enjoy your attention, and you can serve as a role model for healthy behaviors.
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Report; 2008
- "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise;" A Review of Correlates of Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents; James Sallis, et al.; 2000
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; The Surgeon General's Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation; 2010
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Prevalence of High Body Mass Index; Cynthia L. Ogden, et al.; 2010
- "Pediatrics;" Organized Sports for Children and Preadolescents; 2001
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