Why Our Kids Should Be Exercising More and How to Get Them Moving
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and these days, work and play have young people glued to screens. Netflix and the internet are the main order these days, and something needs to be done fast! Too much sitting around and lack of exercise can cause lifelong diseases. So let’s find out why our kids need to engage in exercise activities and why it is essential for their well being.
Why does the young generation need to exercise more?
Getting into a habit of being active can be rewarding in the following ways:
Healthy habits are established as they match into adulthood
By trying to convince your son or daughter to take the stairs instead of the elevator, you will realize their love for comfort.
But while you want to go easy on them, this is harmful to their health, and lifestyle diseases are only waiting for a loophole to make the introduction. Such ailments include cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and more. Kids who exercise regularly are not as prone and tend to grow into agile adults.
High self-esteem
Lack of self-esteem or self-worth keeps adults locked away in their houses. Research exhibits that active children are more confident about themselves and their body image.
Ease in creating a social network
Joining the sports team at school is a great way to get rid of social anxiety and widen young people’s networks. Being a team player is also pretty vital in adulthood.
A boost on mental health
Mental health problems like depression and anxiety are devouring the great minds in the making. Various studies relate this trend to inactivity, like spending too much time on the screen. Engaging in multiple activities like skating, rowing, swimming, or any other is best.
Better grades at school
Exercise activates your kid’s brain, with improvement in memory and thinking abilities. It is especially true with Math and reading-related subjects.
Boosting Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for healthy bones and a robust immune system. As your child spends time doing all kinds of activities, vitamin D levels increase. However, ensure they carry sunscreen and a hat to lower the risks of skin-related cancer.
How to get your child yearning for outdoor time
Statistics from the Department of Health reveal that only one in ten young Australians, children and teenagers alike, meet the health guidelines of 60 minutes of daily exercise. Find out what your child enjoys and use it as an incentive to jumpstart interest in exercise activities. The thought of your child joining the sports team at school stirs some excitement. But some prefer less active activities like chess. Taking time to learn your child’s personality style is best. Additionally, are you a sports enthusiast? Children learn a lot from their caregivers, which sparks interest in the long run. If you are a work fanatic, your child follows the lead, and you can’t blame them, can you?
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Gymnastics
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Ice Skating
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Trampolining
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Rock climbing
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Boxing
If they love to try out new things that initially seem impossible, balancing hands and legs in the air may be the perfect activity. Moreover, it boosts their strength, flexibility, coordination, agility, and endurance. If you like the idea, finding a local gymnastics club is next in line. Most have competitive gymnastics with other recreational programs.
Keen children are perfect for this sport, and depending on the local rink you go for, they may offer figure-skating lessons. For team sports, some even have ice hockey clubs.
This is a good exercise activity for children but needs investment in a trampoline. If this cost isn’t feasible for you, your child can still get lessons from your local trampolining centre. This is a great opportunity for your kids to socialise with friends and exercise while enjoying themselves on holidays and weekends.
Your child can have a ‘mountain hike’ closer to home with indoor rock climbing. Check out your local club to know if you can boost your children’s confidence and get them away from the addictive computer. Benefits also include a build-up of strength.
Boxing improves physical strength, stamina, and discipline. Find a boxing club near you and find out if your kid is the next Muhammad Ali.
How about free activities?
If your child is not excited about any of the activities above or you are trying to meet tight budgets, below are some exercises that young people can still enjoy:
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Running
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Dog Walking
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Borrow some ideas from YouTube
This is an excellent option for every young person. The Charitable Organisation Parkrun gives a free opportunity for everyone to run weekly in Australian parks. Just register online in advance!
Your child could volunteer in the community as a dog walker if they can handle these pets. Just twenty minutes walking is a boost of brain activity, according to research.
If you can’t get your kid to go out, you could use YouTube, incorporating various exercise programs. It may be best to ensure the fitness video you choose is appropriate, and you could even do it together if you have some free time.
Ensuring your child gets moving with a suitable activity is crucial in fostering health and boosting the brain’s performance. Time waits for no man; find an apt local club today!
