Exercise for children

 

# Exercise for children #

     In today’s generation, physical activity is often neglected. Increased popularity of television, computer games & social internet websites mean children have no inclination or exposure to outdoor activities or sports. Lack of physical activity increases risk of heart diseases & obesity when they grow up.

 

American Heart Association recommends

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According to AHA, all children of age 2 years and older should participate in at least 30 minutes of enjoyable, moderate-intensity physical activity every day.

The health of growing children is a priority in any parent's life. Staying physically fit early in life can prevent potential conditions from developing, and it helps children stay positive and energetic.

 

Children must be encouraged to exercise by throwing light on how it will benefit them. Exercise should become a way of life.

 

Regular exercise makes muscles & bones stronger, increases flexibility and helps in maintaining a healthy body weight. Obese children also become obese adults and obesity can bring along with it many complications later in their lives.

 

Sports & exercise also help in developing very important social & survival skills like sharing, learning to work in a team, being considerate of your fellow teammates  & most importantly learning to take wining and losing in your stride. Every day is not going to be the same and nothing can teach that to children better than sports. It will teach them to fight against all odds to achieve desired results in life. 

 

Exercise essentials

 

Warm up (Before Exercise) like stretching muscles of the legs, back & shoulders along with gentle aerobic exercise like slow jogging is extremely important.

 

Cool down (After Exercise) like slow jogging, again stretches of the legs, back & shoulders help in preventing muscle soreness after exercise.

 

Exercise should be avoided if a child is in pain, feeling dizzy, giddy, feels sick or is very tired.

 

Parent can try some of the following tips to make their children indulge in exercise-

 

·   Show children the importance of physical activity by being active yourself. When I was a kid, I always saw my parents & older brother going to the gymnasium or playing some kind of sport almost everyday. So it was easy for me to pick up exercise at an early age. Not exercising was not an option and neither did it ever cross my mind. - Important is Role Play

·   Support your children's favourite sport. Show you are interested. Watch when they are playing or occasionally play with them.

·   Help children think of active alternatives when they are bored or have been sitting for too long.

Parents and Children Cycling - Cartoon People by BoykoPictures ...
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·   Do something active on family outings, e.g. walk to the cinema or the shops when you can.

Benifits of Exercise
Regular exercise leads to several benefits for kids. Many pointers are the first layer of prevention their bodies get from long term conditions
💪 Less risk of obesity
⚽Stronger muscles and bones, and leaner figure
💖 Lower Blood Pressure
👪 Increased Happiness and Lower Stress

👆 Enjoy Reading and Doing

Dr. Mona Shah

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