Introduction
As a parent, you want what is best for your children. You want them to be happy and healthy, and you will do anything to help them achieve those goals. One important way that you can help your child be healthy is by encouraging them to participate in cardiovascular activity. Cardio has many benefits for kids, including helping to improve their mental health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, yet it’s often preventable with lifestyle changes like exercising regularly. So if you’re looking for another reason to encourage your kiddo to get moving, know that cardio can also help reduce their risk of developing heart disease later in life. A strong heart is a healthy heart!
Cardio helps kids lose weight and maintain a healthy weight
Cardio is an essential part of any child’s exercise routine. It not only helps them stay fit and active, but it can also be beneficial in helping them lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. When losing weight, more physical activity increases the number of calories your body uses for energy or “burns off.” The burning of calories through physical activity, combined with reducing the number of calories you eat, creates a “calorie deficit” that results in weight loss. The numerous physical health benefits that come with cardio make it one of the most important activities for children to participate in. From improved respiratory functioning and endurance to increased strength and agility, cardio is a great way for kids to stay healthy and improve their overall well-being. Additionally, engaging in regular cardio activities can help decrease a child's risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and hypertension later in life. All parents should strive to include cardio into their children’s daily routines in order to ensure the best possible physical health for the future.
Cardio strengthens the heart and lungs
When it comes to our kids' well-being, there is no better way to strengthen their hearts and lungs than by engaging them in regular cardio. Studies have shown that cardio activities such as walking, running, or swimming can improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure in children, helping them stay healthy. When you are physically active, your heart and lungs work harder to supply the additional oxygen your muscles demand. Just like regular exercise makes your muscles stronger, it also makes your lungs and heart stronger. As your physical fitness improves, your body becomes more efficient at getting oxygen into the bloodstream and transporting it to the working muscles. Regular exercise also contributes to improving lung capacity and respiratory muscle strength, enabling children to burn more energy without fatigue. This makes for a healthier lifestyle and fewer illnesses down the road. With the right motivation and support, get your kids involved in cardio today – they will thank you later!
Cardio boosts energy levels
Cardio activities are a great way for children to increase their energy. Evidence supports that engaging in aerobic exercise regularly can provide sustained energy benefits. Through increased oxygen flow and improved circulation, cardio boosts levels of hormones like endorphins and adrenaline which provide the body with feel good energy. Cardio can also boost metabolism; producing more energy long term rather than the crash often associated with sugary energy drinks or snacks. Doing activities like running, swimming or skipping rope can help teach kids how to handle physical, mental and emotional energetic challenges. Encouraging your children to engage in regular cardio activity may open the door to more energetic opportunities and experiences.
Cardio improves mental health
Exercise has been scientifically proven to benefit mental health, and with so much of modern life putting a strain on our minds, engaging in cardio activity can be an effective way to bring a sense of peace and calm into your life. By teaching children how to maintain physical fitness, we could be helping them become emotionally resilient during their teenage years. Cardio activities such as jogging, swimming and cycling can help reduce stress levels, boost moods and maintain concentration; incredible effects which can have a lasting benefit for the well-being of your kids throughout their lives. If you want to learn more on how cardio and exercise can improve mental health click here.
Cardio reduces the risk of chronic diseases
Cardio exercise is paramount to promote long-term health and happiness in children. Studies have shown that regular cardio lowers the risk of many chronic diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that cardio activity aids in improving blood cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health, providing a better quality of life for your children both now and later on down the road. Start setting up healthy lifelong habits by encouraging your kids to participate in fun activities that get their hearts pumping! Cardio is not only beneficial for physical wellness, but may also improve mental alertness and help alleviate stress.
Conclusion
Getting your kids to do cardio can seem like a daunting task, but the benefits are worth it. Cardio helps with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight, strengthens the heart and lungs, boosts energy levels, improves mental health, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. These are just a few of the many reasons why you should encourage your kids to get involved in cardiovascular exercise. If you want to learn more about how to get your kids interested in fitness and health, consider joining YFN academy. We offer plenty of resources on everything from nutrition to different types of workouts for kids of all ages.
Sources:
American Lung Association. "Exercise and Lung Health." American Lung Association, 15 Mar. 2021, https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/wellness/exercise-and-lung-health#:~:text=Aerobic%20activities%20like%20walking%2C%20running,and%20toning%20your%20breathing%20muscles.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight.” CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 July 2017, www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html.
Whole Brain Health. "Exercise and Brain Health." Whole Brain Health, 30 Dec. 2020, https://www.wholebrainhealth.org/exercise-and-brain-health/?gclid=CjwKCAiArNOeBhAHEiwAze_nKEWPZ4BP_2TKxO2wpf7RXQozw40PZYgHSkq6A1y96cBOgi3XfLB4axoClloQAvD_BwE
