Fitness for kids
Build a foundation of healthy habits!
Exercise and movement can be exciting. Make fitness a part of your child’s daily routine with activities that encourage kids to learn and break a sweat… all while having fun!
Exercise videos for the whole family
Make movement fun with these kid-friendly workout videos!
3 ideas for family fitness time
The best way to encourage healthy habits for your children is to do them together. Check out these activities on how to move more as a family!
Exercise songs for kids
Bring an active lifestyle into your home with encouraging music!
FAQ
What are the benefits of encouraging an active lifestyle for kids?
Encouraging an active lifestyle for kids offers a wide range of benefits:
Physical Health: Regular physical activity helps children develop strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Mental Well-being: Physical activity can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve mental health. It enhances cognitive function, memory, and concentration, which can benefit academic performance.
Social Development: Participating in group activities or team sports helps children develop social skills, cooperation, teamwork, and the ability to make new friends.
Confidence and Self-Esteem: Achieving fitness goals and mastering new skills can boost a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
Healthy Habits: Encouraging physical activity from a young age sets the foundation for a lifelong habit of staying active and making healthy choices.
Better Sleep: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality, helping children get the rest they need for growth and development.
What age should kids start exercising?
Children can start participating in age-appropriate physical activities as early as infancy. Activities like tummy time, crawling, and later, walking, are all forms of physical activity for babies. As they grow, structured exercise programs can begin around the age of 3 to 5, focusing on activities that promote fundamental movement skills, such as running, jumping, and balancing.
How often should kids exercise?
The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents (ages 6-17) engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This can be broken down into shorter, more manageable segments throughout the day. Activities should include a mix of aerobic exercise (like running or biking), muscle-strengthening activities (such as climbing or push-ups), and bone-strengthening activities (like jumping or skipping).
What are the best exercises for kids?
The best exercises for kids are those that are fun, age-appropriate, and safe. Here are some options:
Outdoor Play: Activities like running, jumping, climbing, and playing on swings and slides provide excellent exercise while having fun.
Sports: Enrolling your child in sports like soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or swimming can help them develop physical skills, teamwork, and discipline.
Dance: Dance classes are a great way to improve coordination, flexibility, and balance while having a blast.
Yoga: Yoga can help kids improve flexibility, focus, and mindfulness. Many child-friendly yoga programs are available.
Biking: Riding a bicycle is not only an excellent form of exercise but also a means of transportation.
Hiking: Taking family hikes in nature is a wonderful way to bond and stay active together.
Active Games: Encourage games like tag, hide-and-seek, or scavenger hunts, which get kids moving while enjoying playtime.
Remember that the key is to make physical activity enjoyable and part of daily life. Be sure to prioritize safety, provide necessary supervision, and consider your child’s interests and abilities when choosing activities.
Always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if your child has underlying health conditions or special needs.
