Child Exercise

Exercise is important for children to burn off the calories that they consume in food. Experts recommend that children have at least one full hour of exercise each day. For children from ages 2 to 5, this should be at least 30 minutes a day. This exercise will help them in many ways but some of the most important include:

It allows them to burn off the excess energy leaving them less stressed
They feel better about themselves
Their brains get the oxygen needed to do well in school
They can maintain a healthy weight
Through exercise they build strong bones and muscles
They can sleep better at night

In order to ensure that children do get the proper amount of exercise, parents should limit the amount of time they spend in front of a TV watching television and playing video games. When parents are active themselves, they can set a good example for the children. Exercise is also part of the school curriculum in physical education classes, but most school districts in Canada and the US have now made daily physical activity a mandatory part of the curriculum.

Physical activity and exercise should be fun activities for children allowing them time to play and to learn through playing. When children have fun, they do not think of exercise as something they have to do. As children get older, parents should encourage them to participate in a variety of sports, such as swimming, baseball, basketball or hockey. Even young children can take dance classes and swimming, which gives them the exercise they need. Children do not like to exercise alone, so being part of a team is much more enjoyable for them.

Along with making sure children get the proper amounts of exercise, they also need good nutrition to keep them healthy. They need balanced meals consisting of food from the four food groups.