Your doctor, the news and probably your family members may be frequently harping on you to get more exercise. As an adult, you can't deny the benefits of regular exercise or escape the consequences, gaining weight, heart disease, diabetes and more, if you don't get the exercise you need. Exercise habit starts in childhood and even children, as young as toddlers, need daily exercise.
Importance of Exercise for Children
Children need to start exercising at a young age because it helps to establish healthy patterns and habits that will benefit your child well into adulthood. Children can learn to include physical activity in their daily routine because it's what they've always known. Physically, regular exercise is important to help children maintain a healthy weight and build strong bones and muscles. The American Academy of Pediatrics also says that regular exercise helps little ones develop and improve motor skills and coordination.
Toddler Activity Levels
Toddlers are busy and always on the go. KidsHealth says that toddlers, starting as young as age 2, need at least 90 minutes each day of physical activity. Included in that should be 30 minutes of structured exercise that is facilitated by an adult, and another 60 minutes of "free play" exercise in which the child plays and exercises on her own. Another important rule for toddlers is to make sure that they are not inactive for longer than one hour at a time unless they are sleeping.
Toddler Activities
Most toddlers can not only walk, but run and jump. One easy way to get in your toddler's minimum daily exercise is to go for a walk together -- without the stroller, or without letting your toddler ride in it for the entire walk. Go to the park and let your toddler run and play on the playground. In your backyard, start a game of soccer, kickball or simply throwing and chasing a ball. When you're stuck inside, play silly games that get your toddler moving. Hop up and down, march around or have a dance party to get your toddler wiggling.
Children's Activity Levels
Children need a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to regular physical activity that kids get just playing and being kids, they need lots of aerobic exercise. Most of a child's daily exercise should be aerobic, which include activities such as biking, walking and running. Children should exercise at a moderate intensity most of the time, with more vigorous exercise at least three days out of the week. Children also need strengthening exercises at least three days each week to build muscles.
Children's Activities
Children can have structured exercise, such as running, hiking or biking to help them meet their minimum exercise requirements. Try enrolling them in team sports such as basketball, baseball or soccer, and encourage physical activity by signing them up for swimming or gymnastics classes. Find activities that your children really enjoy and look forward to doing and remember to set a good example by getting plenty of regular exercise yourself.
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