It’s Exercising with Your Child Week
Exercising with your child offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, fostering a healthier lifestyle for the entire family.
Physical Health Benefits - Engaging in physical activity with your child helps improve their overall physical health. Regular exercise enhances cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles and bones, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Activities like running, playing basketball, and swinging on monkey bars are excellent for children as they help build muscle strength and bone density. Consistent physical activity also lowers the risk of developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Mental Health Benefits - Physical activity isn’t just beneficial for the body; it also supports mental well-being. Children who participate in regular physical activity have better attention spans, improved memory and enhanced academic performance. Exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting better mental health outcomes. Activities that involve family participation can also boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem by providing a supportive and encouraging environment.
Social and Emotional Benefits - Exercising together as a family strengthens bonds and fosters better communication. It teaches children essential social skills such as teamwork, leadership and resilience. Family activities like walking, biking or playing sports provide opportunities for positive interactions and shared experiences, which are crucial for emotional development.
Practical Ways to Exercise Together
- Daily Routines: Incorporate physical activities into your daily routine by taking family walks, playing active games or doing household chores together, which count as physical activity.
- Sports and Activities: Enroll your child in sports or active after-school programs and join in when possible. Activities like soccer, swimming or martial arts keep kids engaged and active.
- Active Play: Encourage active playtime at home. Simple activities like dancing, playing tag or having a jumping jacks contest during commercial breaks of their favorite show can make a significant difference.
- Community Resources: Utilize local parks, community centers and sports fields to find new and exciting ways to be active as a family.
By making physical activity a regular part of your family’s lifestyle, you will improve your family’s health and set a positive example for your children, helping them to develop lifelong healthy habits.
Resources:
- https://health.gov/moveyourway/get-kids-active
- https://health.gov/news/202112/physical-activity-good-mind-and-body
- https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/adding-children-adolescents/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/health-benefits/children.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/adding-children-adolescents/index.html
