The benefits of exercise for children

Many people who enjoy a high standard of life well into their senior years, attribute their longevity and good health to being active all their lives. They started at a young age and never stopped. Things have changed a lot in today’s high-tech world, and ensuring that your children get enough exercise is critical to their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Not so long ago, kids naturally went outside to play. That’s because there weren’t that many options. Outside was where you found and made friends, kicked a ball around, climbed trees, played hopscotch, or just went adventuring, returning as the sun went down and your parents called you for dinner. You generally arrived home exhausted and hungry, after a day of fun out in the fresh air.

Today, things are very different. Kids spend excessive time indoors, their eyes glued to their phones, computers or tablets, and way less time enjoying outdoor activities. This is a problem with far-reaching consequences.

There are many reasons why kids need to be active, let’s take a look at a few.

Physical health benefits

Exercise makes your kids healthier, more attentive and less likely to have weight problems as they get older. Active kids enjoy stronger immune systems, stronger hearts and lungs, and stronger bone and muscle structure.

Exercise improves blood flow, ensuring that more oxygen reaches your kid’s heart and brain, promoting higher energy levels. Activity also makes kids breathe and perspire more efficiently, which helps to naturally remove toxins from the body.

Better mental health

‘Healthy body – healthy mind.’ An old cliché that still holds true today. In addition to the numerous physical benefits, studies have shown that active kids also enjoy better mental health, including:

• Better memory
• Ability to focus and concentrate for longer
• Improved mood – less mood swings
• A general improvement in their physical and emotional well-being

More confidence & better social skills

Kids who engage in sports of any kind, whether individual or team oriented, are more confident, able to work well in a team, and develop better social skills. When kids have high self-esteem, they are more likely to be happier, more optimistic and more inclined to assume leadership roles later in life.

Any exercise will do

Exercise does not have to be competitive, and kids do not have to play rugby, netball or soccer to reap the benefits. Walks on the beach, an easy hike, or a game of catch with their mates will do. As long as kids exercise within their limits, don’t overdo it, and enjoy the activity, you will notice positive results you never thought possible.

Well-rounded kids

Some kids are just not sporty and don’t enjoy exercise. This can be come ingrained in them at a young age, but you can change this. Show them the different ways they can enjoy exercise and explain the benefits.

One benefit of exercise is that active kids often enjoy a more general upbringing, resulting in them becoming well-rounded individuals, who find it easier to connect with their peers and enjoy a healthier and more social existence. Achievers are often people that tried loads of different things at a young age before settling on what they were good at and what they enjoyed.

Getting your kids to enjoy being active at a young age can benefit them well into their senior years. Help them find an exercise they enjoy, and they’ll never stop exercising.

If you want the best for your children, make sure they enjoy plenty healthy and active fun. There are many places where you kids can grow, develop and have fun, without even realising they are exercising. Contact your active kid specialists to find out how your kids can benefit.