Exercise For Children

by Terry Whitson

It is really a shame that so many kids are not getting enough exercise today. It does not seem like we should even have to worry about exercise for children. After all, kids love to run around and play, so why should adults have to think about setting up certain exercises for children to do? Yet the reality is that we have some of the most obese, sedentary, and unhealthy kids in American history. Kids spend too much time watching television, surfing the web, or playing video games, and not enough time outside running around. Obesity in any child is avoidable. Good exercise for kids is one of the most important ways to safeguard the future. An unhealthy childhood can lead to an unhealthy adulthood.

The Many Benefits of Exercise:

• stronger bones and muscles

• decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

• potentially lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels

How much exercise should children get?

According to the 2005 dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), all children 2 years and older should get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on most days of the week, preferably every day. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that the average child is watching about 3 hours of TV and the average kid spends 5 1/2 hours on all media combined, including games & TV. So, it's important that children get physical activity to stay fit and healthy.

What are some exercises children can do?

One really valuable exercise for children is bike riding. It is a real mistake for parents to give their kids rides everywhere. Not only is it a big inconvenience and a waste of fossil fuels, but it also stops the kid from exercising. Why not give yourself more time and allow your kid to get a good workout. Biking is one of the worlds most popular and enduring exercises for children. And, in addition to being a great exercise for children, it is also a great way to teach self-reliance. If they have to provide their own transportation from an early age, they will learn to take responsibility for themselves.

Other fun exercises for children include skating, bowling, lazer tag, stair stepping while counting, walking the dog, or just playing in the water sprinkler.

Why not exercise with your children? Most schools make sure to provide exercise for children during school hours, but it is usually not enough. Kids need time to run around after school. You can help them to let off their nervous energy by running around with them. That way, you can both get your exercise at the same time, while having time to spend together. Staying active will insure obesity in child lifestyles will vanish over time. Take at least thirty minutes each day and jog or power-walk with your child making exercise for children that like to be outdoors seem like a challenge with the parents!

Schedule exercise for children into the day making it part of the routine. Embrace a healthy lifestyle and set a good example!