Does Exercise Help Kids Grow?

Cognitive Growth

• The brain is a muscle. When a child exercises, he enhances the flow of oxygen to his brain and the other muscles in the body. This increased flow of oxygen helps build muscles and helps a child concentrate better, explains LetsMove.gov. Improved concentration comes with improved cognitive growth, academic performance and social development. Increased oxygen to the brain can also help a kid sleep better, which promotes physical growth and brain development, and helps him feel more energized during the day.

Strong Bones and Muscles

• When kids exercise, their muscles get stronger, as do their bones. Building muscle strength helps a child reduce the risk of an injury because he has better balance and coordination. When a child exercises regularly, he will also have better strength and bone density than a kid who does not exercise, according to the National Institutes of Health. This can help reduce the likelihood of fractures well into adulthood.

Enhanced Immunity and Risk Prevention

• When a child is ill, she is more likely to miss school, which may hinder brain development. Exercise helps build a strong immune system and reduces the risk of developing diseases like juvenile-onset type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease, according to KidsHealth.org. The MedlinePlus website shares that exercise may send antibodies and white blood cells throughout the body to detect and fight diseases at a quicker rate, and helps flush bacteria out of the body.

Emotional and Social Development

• The body receives a boost of natural feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin when a kid exercises regularly. WebMD asserts that a child who exercises may have better self-esteem, be less stressed and have fewer feelings of depression and anxiety. Consequently, exercise can help a child deal with and work through negative emotions in a healthy manner. When the exercise comes in the form of sports, a kid learns more about teamwork, cooperation and good sportsmanship.