![]() ![]() It can also help reduce the risk of depression. For youth, physical activity supports the health of their brain and can improve focus and cognition. Physical activity pays off in long-term health, but also in short-term benefits. ![]() So stand up, move around, and set a strong example for your kids while you improve your own health. Being sedentary increases the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Take a walk with your kids, follow on foot while they climb around a playground, or turn on some music and have an impromptu dance party inside on a rainy day. Keep them moving in whatever ways you can. Making time for moderate or vigorous movement is wonderful, but don’t get discouraged when you don't have time to take the little ones to the park or when there’s a lull in sports seasons for the older kids. Every little bit helps. Any amount of physical activity has some benefit. ![]() Walk or run, bicycle or swim, burn up some energy at the local playground – there are plenty of possibilities. While it’s important to have some vigorous exercise to strengthen muscles and bones, like playing sports or doing targeted workouts, most of your kids’ exercise can be focused on getting their heart to beat faster. ![]() Any activity that gets the heart pumping counts.Set a good example and help children and teens build movement into their daily routines in a positive way. You can struggle with motivation for a while and still get back at it anytime. You can exercise and eat healthy, and still wear a larger clothing size than your friends. You can play hard and love a sport without being the best on the team. Help them excel in their chosen activities while understanding their limits and appreciating what they are capable of. Remember, though, that pushing too hard or pushing for something that doesn’t work for your child can be harmful.Ĭhildren and teens experience a lot of changes as their bodies grow and develop. Encourage them and push them to keep on moving. Take time to explore the types of physical activity your kids genuinely enjoy. An adult is a lot more likely to be successful in meeting their exercise goals if they’ve built good habits during their child and teen years, though it’s never too late to start a new healthy routine. There are some fun smartphone apps and video games designed to encourage fitness, too.Īdults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, with muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days per week. Organized sports through schools or clubs are a fantastic option to stay active, though some older kids and teens might prefer to exercise outside of team environments by walking, jogging, going to the gym, bicycling, skateboarding, and more. School-age kids and teens should get at least one hour of physical activity every day, according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Plus, young kids usually love to move – it's a great time to start getting them interested in lots of different games and activities and to build healthy habits. It’s key to children’s growth and development. Aim for at least three hours of active play. Preschool-age children should be moving throughout the day. Exercise is linked to better sleep, mood, focus, and overall wellness. The more you move, the better able you are to keep moving to improve your health. The human body is meant to move, and regular exercise is crucial to staying healthy. Encourage kids and teens to learn what exercises they enjoy, and how to do them safely. There are so many ways to move your body.Most young children love to move, which is an opportunity to start building good habits.Exercise = better health, physically and mentally.This is Part 13 in a multi-week series of blogs focused on the ABC’s for Healthy Kids. ![]()
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