Introduction

Most people know that exercise is important for overall health, but did you know that it's especially important for kids? That's right! Getting kids up and moving as early as possible can help them stay healthy for their entire lives. Let's take a closer look at why exercise is so important for kids and how you can start getting your little ones moving.

Why Your Kids Should Exercise Early

The benefits of exercise are countless, but here are just a few reasons why kids need to get moving:

Exercise Helps With Weight Control.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Exercise can help control weight by burning calories and building muscle.

Exercise Helps Bone Strength.

According to the CDC, osteoporosis, or loss of bone density, affects 53 million Americans—and that number is only going to increase as our population ages. Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, helps build strong bones and can prevent osteoporosis later in life.

Exercise Improves Mental Health.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States, affecting more than 16 million adults each year. Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, improving moods and overall well-being.

Find an Activity That Everyone Enjoys.

The best way to get your kids motivated to exercise is to find an activity that everyone enjoys. If your kids hate running, there's no point in forcing them to go on a daily run with you. Instead, try something different like hiking, biking, swimming, or playing tag. There are tons of options - it just might take some trial and error to find what works best for your family.

Start Slow

If you're just getting started, don't try to do too much too soon. Start slow and gradually increase the frequency and duration of your workouts. This will help everyone ease into the new routine without feeling overwhelmed.

Make It a Habit

To really see the benefits of exercising with your kids, it needs to become a habit. Try to exercise at least 3-4 times per week, and make sure to schedule it into your family's routine so everyone knows when it's time to perspire!

Conclusion

So there you have it! A few good reasons why kids need to exercise early and often. Remember, start slow and have fun! There are plenty of ways to get your kids moving that don't even feel like exercise, like playing tag, chasing bubbles, or having a dance party in your living room. So get out there and start moving! Your family's health will thank you for it.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Childhood Obesity Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 Mar. 2018, www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html.

National Institute of Mental Health. "Exercise and Depression." National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Apr. 2016, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/exercise-and-depression/index.shtml.

"The Benefits of Exercise for Kids." verywellfamily.com, Verywell Family, 9 Oct. 2019, www.verywellfamily.com/the-benefits-of-exercise-for-kids-1257411.

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