Anyone who’s physically fit and mentally agile is capable of living their lives optimally. This characterisation of fitness is what we need to instil in everyone, especially children from an early age.
There has been an alarming rise in childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes. No surprise there as sedentary lifestyle is the culprit. With children preferring more screen time, less physically active time, coupled with unhealthy diet, today’s generation has a higher risk of developing health issues.
And if these aren’t reasons enough to encourage children to embrace a fit lifestyle, there’s more.
Children who are physically active eat better, sleep better, have stronger bones and muscles, meet their developmental milestones on time and, best of all, have extremely high self-esteem. Did you hear a magic word there?
The success of healthy and active habits depends upon how challenging and fun they are for children. Parents should help introduce new activities that children will enjoy and that they may even excel at.
When kids are small, play simple games of tag or running races with them. As they get older, toss the ball around, invite them to join you on a jog, take a walk on the beach or simply make family pool time a routine. Kids love to splash around in water and are capable of picking up swimming quite early in life. Try enrolling them in a swimming academy and you might just be nurturing a champion in there.
The goal is to keep them moving, have fun and set an example for them. Even running around in the park, trekking and dancing amount to a lot of exercise with fun.
We have seen professional athletes, gymnasts and sports personalities. And if their performance and milestones interest you, then it might be helpful to know that it all started for them very young.
Children who enjoy sports and exercise tend to stay active throughout their lives
and this leads to a healthier lifestyle, so keep encouraging them to take up a sport.
Another significant impact of physical activity is found in child’s behaviour. Adequate exercise during the day will help take care of natural hyperactivity. Also, children who tend to be more physically active generally handle physical and emotional challenges better than those who aren’t active. In adolescents, regular exercise can help treat anxiety and depression.
Strength, coordination and confidence are the three pillars of healthy growth.
5 simple exercises to get your child hooked
1. Jumping jacks
As simple as they may seem, jumping jacks are actually quite a burst of activity that gets your muscles and joints moving. It’s a great idea to start with their favourite number and then progress eventually. Kids are smart learners and to make them fun, club the magic of mathematics to make jumps interesting.
2. Cycling and running
Pedalling/running together is not just family time but will also let you explore your neighbourhood while fulfilling your commitment towards exercise.
3. Play a sport
Enrol them for professional training in sports such as tennis, football, volleyball, badminton, gymnastics and swimming. Depending on their stamina, children will get ample exercise along with education on the importance of warming up and cooling down.
4. Martial arts
Instil the discipline of self-defence among kids and watch them pick up a unique art form that includes fitness, exercise as well as mental training.
5. Yoga
Everyone who thought yoga isn’t for kids is wrong. In fact, it instils a high degree of mental discipline, the art of meditation and promotes body flexibility to ensure wholesome development of kids.
Participation, interest, discipline and routine are key things to remember when you are thinking about fitness options for kids. It’s best to lead by example and train them with expertise, to help them stay active throughout their lives.
— The writer is Assistant General Manager, Fitness First, Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi