The rise of obesity and overweight among children and teens has become more alarming. It is important that your kids are active, and this is a lesson that you can teach them. They will look up to you and follow in your footsteps.
Being active can help prevent various health issues and keep your child’s weight under control. There are also other benefits of physical activity.
One of the most important benefits of physical activity is it helps keep blood sugar levels under control. This is especially important for children who are at risk for developing diabetes. It can also improve their sleep and mental health. It can additionally boost their self-esteem and make them feel more confident about their bodies.
Path to Improved Health
Kids 6 to 17 years old should be active for at least 60 minutes each day. This can be done several times a day to add up to 60 minutes or can be done at once. Children need to engage in at least three types of exercise, which include muscle strengthening, bone strengthening, and aerobics. Some activities can also count as more than one exercise.
Aerobic exercise is a type of exercise that increases one’s heart rate and helps strengthen the lungs and muscles. Things like skateboarding, skating, running, hiking, swimming, bicycling, basketball, and dancing, are great examples of aerobic exercise.
A great way to build and maintain your muscles is through muscle-strengthening exercises. Things like climbing, gymnastics, push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups are all great ways to build up your muscles.
If you want to keep your child’s bones strong and help them grow, bone-strengthening exercises can help you. Sports like basketball, soccer, tennis, or volleyball, or running, skipping, and dancing, can be incredibly beneficial.
There are so many different types of activities that you can choose from that your child will find enjoyable.
Try group or physical activities such as soccer, dancing, or gymnastics, which can help your child develop their social skills. It’s important to keep in mind that there are kids who enjoy sports, but others don’t like competition. They can also prefer playing games such as hide-and-seek or tag. Figure out which is more suitable for their personality. Playing alone can also be beneficial, as it helps your child develop independence.
Make sure that you are a healthy role model for your child. Plan regular family outings and let them see that you’re exercising and, more importantly, enjoying it. Another great way to build up exercise in your family is by rewarding your child with action. Instead of giving them food, let them choose an activity.
Keeping your child active in today’s day and age is vital to your child’s physical wellbeing. These are just a few of the many ways that you can keep your child active.
Dr. Edward S. Thalheimer is the President and Founder of The Tutoring Center® Franchise Corp. For our part, we here at The Tutoring Center® are continuing to provide one-to-one instruction combined with The Rotational Approach to Learning® to prevent children from slipping through the cracks academically. Our programs help children achieve long-term success, build concentration and focus, and, with our outstanding instructors, find the love of learning. Don’t let your child fall behind this school year. If you’re interested in learning more, or you are interested in opening The Tutoring Center® in your community and joining a team of more than 120 franchise locations nationwide, please visit our website at TutoringCenter.com