How Does Fitness Affect the Health of Preschool Children?

Fitness plays an important role in keeping the body healthy, and this is even true for preschoolers. These kiddos have plenty of energy to fuel physical activity that is rewarded with health benefits. Involving toddlers and preschoolers in fitness gets them off to a great start -- improving both their mental and physical well-being.

  1. Being Active

    • Preschool children should be engaged in active fitness activities for 90 to 120 minutes each day. They should never spend more than 15 minutes sitting or lying around -- unless it is time to eat or sleep. All other time should be spent in either structured or unstructured activity or play time. Many children this age do not get enough physical activity which could impact their health, development and growth.

    Childhood Obesity

    • According to Penn State University's Better Kid Care Program, 10 percent of 2 to 5 year old children are overweight. This corresponds with a decrease in fitness activity and ability. Being overweight causes serious health problems, including high insulin levels, high cholesterol or blood pressure, heart disease, bone disease and some cancers. Preschool children who are overweight are also much more likely to become overweight adults and develop type-2 diabetes in adulthood.

    Fitness Benefits

    • Making fitness a part of your preschooler's daily routine has many benefits, including helping burn off extra energy and sleeping better -- possibly improving your own stress levels. Fitness is not only fun for her, but it helps reduce body fat, increases your child's lean muscle, increases flexibility and endurance, improves heart health and mood, decreases anxiety and stress levels, and reduces other health risks associated with low fitness levels.

    Get Outdoors

    • The outdoors is the perfect place to get physically fit. Spending time outdoors to engage in fitness means additional health benefits for your preschooler. The sun is a quick source for increasing Vitamin-D levels, a vitamin required for to absorb calcium. It can also help with motor and physical skill development, reduce near-sightedness, promote emotional well-being and increase cognitive ability.

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