Reasons for Kids Needing to Exercise

Your child needs 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day, according to the American Heart Association. That doesn't mean she needs to pop in an hour-long exercise video each day. Regular childhood activities -- skipping rope, riding bikes, playing tag -- give her the exercise she needs. Keeping your child active benefits her in almost every area of development.

  1. Health

    • You hear about the health benefits of exercise for adults, but starting early sets your child up for a healthier life long before she reaches adulthood. When she stays active, your child is more likely to stay within the healthy weight range for her age and height. Her early active lifestyle is likely to make her an active adult, according to the American Council on Exercise. She also reduces her chances of serious diseases as she gets older, including diabetes and heart disease.

    Motor Skills

    • Physical activity engages a variety of muscles in the body. As your child runs, jumps, climbs and kicks, she builds those muscles. She also gains better control over various muscle groups. She might lack coordination and balance now, but regularly doing physical activities help her improve the motor skills that affect coordination. Many sports and exercises use smaller movements that work on fine motor control. Gripping a baseball bat is an example. Activities such as catching a ball or scoring a soccer goal help with hand-eye coordination.

    Mental Health

    • Physical play helps your child's mental state, too. Your child might be in a better mood when she exercises regularly. Typical child exercises, such as playing physical games or sports, are enjoyable to kids, so physical activity doubles as entertainment. A child often feels more confident when she gets stronger or gains new skills. After trying all summer, she finally gets to celebrate being able to cross the monkey bars, for example. Playing team sports helps your child meet new friends and have new experiences.

    School Performance

    • All that time your child spends being active might help her academically. A child who stays fit with exercise is likely to get a better night's sleep, according to the American Council on Exercise. When your child is rested, she is alert and might be able to pay attention better in school. Kids who exercise tend to attend school more regularly than those who don't get exercise. Physically active kids might also perform better in school, according to the American Council on Exercise.

    2. Previous:

    Next: