Physical activity at a young age is essential for a number of reasons. Exercise can work to prevent obesity and becoming overweight, it strengthens the muscles and bones making children less susceptible to injuries. It can also help improve your children’s focus in school. It is a key part of a child’s development and should be encouraged from a very young age as it is the foundation of a healthy life.
We spoke to the children physical health experts at My Gym La Jolla to find out exactly why is it so important for children to develop the healthy habit of exercising at a young age.
It Promotes Proper Growth And Development
Exercise is a crucial part of proper growth and development of fundamental elements of the body such as the muscles and bones. These benefits will stay with your children as they reach puberty and onwards to adulthood. Children who develop the habit of exercising early are more likely to continue doing so at a later age.
Help Maintain A Healthy Weight
Obesity in children is one of the leading health concerns in the US. Regular physical activity paired with a healthy diet will prevent your children from being overweight along with other health issues linked to the condition. If your child is already overweight, exercise is the best way to reduce their weight and eliminate the accompanying health concerns.
Builds A Stronger Cardiovascular System
The heart is a crucial muscle that gets its fair share of workout during physical activity. Regular exercise helps eliminate the risk of cardiovascular and associated diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
It Improves Strength, Balance, Coordination And Flexibility
Coordination and balance are key skills your children will need in their life. On the other hand, improved flexibility and strength can have a positive effect on your children’s physical and overall health.
Helps Develop Fine Motor And Gross Motor Skills
Fine motor skills entail the use of the hand, finger and thumb muscles children need whenever they use their hands to play, write or perform any action with their hands. Gross motor skills, on the other hand, are essential for walking, running or practicing any sport. A lot of children who do not start exercising early will have issues linked to both fine and gross motor skills and are more likely to get injured running or playing sports with their classmates.
Exercise Improves Posture
Bad posture is another condition affecting children at a very young age. Exercise can help improve their posture and eliminate the associated issues such as back and neck pain, headaches and fatigue.
Exercise Promotes A Heathy Mind Too
It is well known that exercise can help improve cognitive skills and concentration, leading to better academic performance. Exercise stimulates the brain to work at a higher capacity, multiplying the nerve cells and strengthening the link between them.
Exercise Can Boost A Child’s Self-Esteem
It is well known that exercise can help improve the mood, relieve stress and relax the body. All of these can lead to a healthier childhood that results in higher confidence, self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Physical activity can help children develop social skills and make new friends, especially if it involves a team sport.