Is your child getting enough exercise? That's something that should concern every parent, given that the CDC reports that 1 in 5 children and adolescents are obese. The benefits associated with early physical activity for children are so significant that it's surprising that only six states require physical education for children in grades K-12, according to a report by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and the American Heart Association. Let's have a look at what physical fitness does for children.
1. Developing the Brain
Exercising causes nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus to multiply and create new connections. These new connections form the building block for better concentration and improved memory. Your child will surely benefit from these when they need to study!
2. Helps the Body to Grow
Good physical fitness discipline helps children build up a healthy bone mass and density which will help reduce the risk of developing bone-related illnesses like osteoporosis. Engaging in physical activity also helps kids build strong muscles, which protect their joints against injury
3. Improved Motor Skills
Exercise helps kids develop the basic motor movements to navigate everyday life. It refines them so that they can master activities such as writing, tying shoelaces, and handling a spoon.
4. Good Posture
Children love their screen time. However, excessive sitting can lead to bad posture habits such as slouching. Physical fitness exercises will help them build a strong core and spine, enabling them to sit up straight without any issues. Good posture will also lead to fewer body aches in the future.
5. Cardiovascular Health
It is disheartening to see children develop cardiovascular diseases at a young age. Obese children risk developing adult health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. To control their body fat, they need to combine exercise with an appropriate diet.
6. Less Stress
Exercise raises serotonin levels. Serotonin is also known as the body's feel-good chemical, so it can help combat the daily stresses that children go through, such as social media influences, and peer and academic pressure, among other things.
To start keeping your kids fit and healthy, you should develop a physical fitness routine appropriate for their age. Should you need help in doing so, reach out to us today.