Exercising is good
for anyone of any age, but it can be crucial in adolescents. According to the
Center for Disease Control (CDC) less than one-quarter of children 6 to 17
years of age participate in the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity
every day.
Regular
physical activity can help children and adolescents improve
cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight,
reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing
other health conditions.
One way
parents/guardians can help encourage their child to be physically active and to
develop healthy living habits is by exercising with their child.
National Exercise
with Your Child Week takes place August 7 to 13. This week is dedicated to
helping encourage parents and guardians to empower their children to be
physically active every day. Staying active together and being a role model for
a healthy life can help children build confidence while teaching them the
importance of physical activity.
“Exercising with
your child regularly can teach them how fun and exciting physical activity can
be,” says John
Nielsen, MD, Aspirus Family Physician at the Aspirus Merrill Clinic.
“Lifestyle habits that are learned in childhood are much more likely to stay
with a person into adulthood. When sports and physical activities are a family
priority, it provides children and parents with a strong foundation for a
healthy lifestyle.”
Here are 7 other
great ways to help encourage children to be physically active, according
to American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Emphasize
fun. Find a sport that the child enjoys. The more they enjoy the activity,
the more likely they will be to continue it.
- Choose an activity
that is developmentally appropriate. For example, a 7- or 8-year-old child
is not ready for weightlifting or a 3-mile run, but soccer, bicycle riding, and
swimming are all great activities for kids this age.
- Provide a safe
environment. Make sure the child's equipment and where they practice or
play is safe. Make sure the child's clothing is comfortable and appropriate for
the activity.
- Provide active
toys. Young children especially need easy access to balls, jump ropes, and
other active toys.
- Be a role
model. Children who regularly see their parents enjoying sports and
physical activity are more likely to do so themselves.
- Set
limits. Limit screen time, including time spent on TV, videos, computers,
and video
games, each day. Use the free time for more physical activities.
- Make time for
exercise. Some children are so overscheduled with homework,
music lessons, and other planned activities that they do not have time
for exercise. Make
sure the child has a convenient time and place to exercise.
Planning around both
parents and children’s schedules may be difficult, but it’s a crucial bonding
experience that can influence a child’s lifestyle and health.
For more
information, visit aspirus.org.