At What Age Should Children Begin To Exercise?

At What Age Should Children Begin To Exercise?

Exercise has many benefits for children and adults alike. According to Get Kids in Action, 1 in 3 American children are overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risk of developing asthma, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and a variety of other conditions. Regular exercise can be a powerful tool for weight control.

Start exercising

Children can and should start exercising as soon as possible, according to KidsHealth reports. The type of exercise a child will enjoy may vary depending on age, but it is important that children become active as soon as possible, because children who exercise when they are young are more likely to continue that good habit as adults. There is no age limit on when children should start exercising.

Benefits of exercise in children

In addition to health benefits, running and being physically active can help children sleep better and reduce stress.

How much exercise you should do

The amount and type of exercise you need depends on the child's age and energy level. Get Kids in Action recommends that all children do a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise every day, if possible. Young children may need up to 90 minutes per day, while preschool children can get two hours of exercise. For infants and toddlers, playing tag, hiding or just hanging around in the yard in the morning can provide all the exercise they need. For older children, consider taking a bike ride together or enrolling them in a sport or class that interests them, such as karate.

Encouraging exercise

The best way to activate your child is to activate yourself. Run and play with him, if possible. Let me see you exercising to follow the example. Discourage sedentary activities, including television, as much as you can.

Video Tutorial: Kids workout 1 Beginners.

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