Health and Fitness for Children

With childhood obesity rates on the rise, it’s more important than ever for parents to be conscience of their child’s activity level to ensure that health and fitness for their children is achieved. Every child needs an adequate activity level in order to develop into a healthy individual.

Unlike adults, children don’t necessarily need to run on a treadmill or break out into a full sweat. Any activity that gets them active is just the kind of fitness they need: riding their bike, walking with friends, dancing around the room, and playing tag. All these options are fabulous ways to achieve health and fitness for children, through remaining active and moving their growing bodies.

Why is movement so important?

Our children are growing, and with that comes the necessity of not only having to eat right but of having to exercising too. There are many benefits associated with health and fitness in children such as: a leaner body, stronger bones and muscles, a decrease in the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, better sleep, a more positive demeanor, and an ability to handle stresses in an easier way.

What entails fitness?

You can basically break fitness down into three categories: stretching (such as cartwheels or other stretching movements), cardiovascular activity (such as basketball, bike riding, swimming, roller skating), and strength (such as pull-ups and crunches). (Note: weightlifting is generally not encouraged for children. Before working any weightlifting into your child’s routing, check with your doctor or personal trainer for guidance.) All three facets are equally important and should be incorporated into your child’s fitness regime.

How much exercise is needed?

Infants: No requirements. All movements should be monitored and no movement should be forced.

Toddlers: About an hour and a half a day of activity should be encouraged, with a half hour being devoted to a planned activity.

Preschooler: Two hours a day is encouraged. An hour of structured activity and another hour of unplanned play is optimal.

School age: An hour a day is strongly encouraged. Fitness does not have to be an hour straight, but can be divided into four-fifteen minute segments.

By following the above guidelines for health and fitness for children you’ll be on your way to creating a regime your child will love. Instill in them a genuine love for movement and activity early that will result in a strong and healthy body for life.

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