Best Exercises For Healthy Kids

The rise in childhood obesity is a growing problem worldwide. Children who are obese or overweight have a higher likelihood of struggling with weight and health problems throughout their lives. There are a number of reasons for the increase in childhood obesity. The lack of physical education in schools, too much time spent watching television and in computers and increasingly sedentary lifestyles are just a few reasons why children today are gaining weight and keeping it on.

Exercise is crucial for kids as it not only keeps them from gaining weight, but it keeps them healthy and expends energy. However, you don’t need to insist your kids get on a treadmill or implement a boot camp in the home to get them to exercise; there are a number of fun activities you can do for kids that will give them the exercise they need.

When adults think of exercise, images of pedaling an exercise bike or jogging on a treadmill come to mind. For kids, however, exercise is much less complicated. The following are some of the best exercises for kids:

Play

One of the best exercises for kids is second nature to them – play. Send your kids outside and they will spend hours running around and playing. Kids are naturally active, but if you have sedentary children, encourage them to play games like tag, baseball or kickball, as these require them to move and run around. You could also go out and play with your kids.

Kids playing

Trips to the park

You could also take your kids to the parks in your area to play. See if the local parks have baseball diamonds or soccer goals that will allow your kids to play baseball or kick a soccer ball around. Most kids love to run around and play on monkey bars, swing sets and jungle gyms and it’s great exercise, too.

Bike riding

Kids love to ride their bikes. This is an excellent form of exercise that will help kids stay in shape. Make sure your children wear helmets whenever they ride their bikes. Making bike riding a family activity is a great way for the whole family to get exercise while spending time together.

Walking

Walking is a great exercise for young and old alike. Kids love to go for walks. Consider making it a family tradition to go for a walk together each evening before or after dinner.

Organized sports

Organized sports such as dance, Little League and soccer do more than just keep kids in shape. They also teach teamwork, problem solving and coordination. Sports are a great way for kids to get regular exercise. Many children develop a life-long love of the sport they play, which will help them stay physically fit throughout their lives.

An active lifestyle and getting exercise will come easier for kids when it’s just a part of growing up. It’s important for parents to create an atmosphere that is conducive to exercise and encourages active, outdoor play. Playing with your kids, going on bike rides or walks with them, and encouraging exercise and participation is sports are all good ways to ensure your children lead healthy, active lives.