Did you know children need to be active for 60 minutes each day? Being active is important to children’s growth and development. Exercise builds strong bones and strong muscles. This allows kids to have the energy and strength to do the things they want and need to do.
Other than being good for general health and well-being, exercise comes with a lot of other benefits, especially when activity is done every day. Studies have shown that active children do better in school. Some other benefits include:
- Less anxiety and depression
- Better heart health
- Weight control
- Lower chance of getting chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure when they are adults.
There are lots of fun ways to get active with your children. Here are some ideas:
- Take your family on a walk around the block. If your children are older and you have a dog, ask them to walk the dog.
- Sign your children up for after-school or summertime activities. This can include sports like soccer or swimming. You can also sign them up for a class like karate or dance. Visit your local rec-center for low-cost sports options and camps.
- Join a sports team at school. If your children are not interested in team sports, they might consider gymnastics, marching band or martial arts.
- Encourage your children to play outdoors with friends.
- If you live close to school, have your children walk or bike back and forth. You can go along for the ride or have them stick with a buddy.
- Get your kids active by helping around the house. Pushing a vacuum, planting a garden, washing the car, or raking the leaves are all great forms of movement for you and your kids!
- Play games outside — go to the playground, play tag or catch in the backyard, or go to the park and shoot some hoops.
Have fun!
Sources: Help Your Kids Get More Physical Activity | ODPHP & Physical Activity Facts | CDC & Motivating Kids to Be Active | KidsHealth