Toddlers are notorious for being active. They're natural runners, jumpers and climbers and love to explore. You may find that your little one is still going strong long after you've run out of steam, but resist the urge to curb his energy. All of that activity can help prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. The next time your toddler asks to go outside, remember it's good for his health and get moving.
Structured Exercise
The National Association of Sport and Physical Education suggests that toddlers need a half hour of structured exercise per day. Structured exercise is activity in which you guide your toddler or participate in a planned activity. You might engage your child in a game of catch with a large foam ball or walk alongside him as he pedals his tricycle down the street. Your participation helps keep your toddler focused on the activity.
Unstructured Exercise
Your child also should get at least an hour a day of unstructured exercise. This is simply toddlers doing what they do best: running around and having fun. You don't need to take a trip to the park every day or have fancy jungle gym equipment in your backyard for your child to enjoy unstructured exercise. Something as simple as pushing a toy truck around the yard can give your toddler the exercise she needs.
Playtime as Exercise
When you're dealing with toddlers, any kind of active play counts as exercise. The important thing is that your little tyke gets moving. If you would like to introduce your toddler to more traditional types of exercise, consider a "Mommy and Me" class such as yoga or look into dance or gymnastics programs. Some soccer and baseball leagues offer teams for children as young as 3. If your toddler does participate in a team sport or exercise class, be sure that he still gets plenty of time just to run around.
How Exercise Helps
Aerobic activities are good for your toddler's heart. These exercises are ones that get her big muscles working, such as running, dancing and riding a tricycle. Some types of exercise help strengthen your toddler's muscles. Anything that makes her muscles work harder than usual will do the trick; climbing often is a favorite activity and great way for your toddler to strengthen her muscles. Strong bones are important, too. Activities that cause impact with the ground, such as hopping or bouncing a ball, help build strong bones. If you watch your toddler play on the playground, you are likely to see that she gets all of these types of exercise at once as she plays.
When You Can't Get Outside
You can't always get outdoors. If the weather is bad or other things get in your way, bring the exercise indoors. Turn on some fast, fun music and have a living room dance session. Take the cushions off the couch and gently tumble on them or create a safe obstacle course with chairs to climb over and tables to crawl under. Even sitting on the floor rolling a ball provides some exercise.
