So this morning I was training with a couple of clients and they happened to bring their children along with them as it was half term so they wanted them to join in with the exercise. In the moment I thought to myself how important exercising is for children’s development as I observe the kids laughing and engaging with the movements creating their own approaches and fun games within the exercise. Here’s some ways exercising from a young age can give your child an added boost.
Enhanced Physical Health
Doing movements like running and jumping boosts a child’s aerobic capacity, strengthens bones and ligaments/tendons, increases reflexes and motor skills (reaction time) along with keeping obesity at bay. All of these physical benefits also cross over with improved self confidence and instills a can do attitud
Powering Up the Brain
Cardiovascular activities like playing tag, football or dancing boost blood flow to the brain, improving memory and focus also these types of activities improve spatial awareness and quick decision making. Kids who are active often excel in school, making learning feel much easier.
Making Friends
Exercise isn’t just good for the body and brain; it’s a social tool! Most games or sports require teamwork which involves communication, supporting each other and making decisions as a collective. These skills are all transferable into life at school with making friends and problem solving. Playing games or sports also help us to regulate our emotions as we have to adjust to winning and losing, sharing and being patient are all involved in this.
Building Resilience
Feeling Anxious? Exercise can put a smile on your face and lift your mood. Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Exposure to exercising frequently and consistently also leads to making progress meaningful activities get easier as you improve this additionally helps with building motivation and a positive mindset.
Lifelong Habits
Having positive associations to exercise from an early age is also very important as it gives you a strong foundation when learning a new skill set or sport. You’re also going into any physical activity with confidence and assurance rather than anxiety or uncertainty. I feel the best approach towards starting exercise with children and adults is to make sure the experience is a fun one and to focus on what you can do and how you can make the things you find challenging more manageable. So get up, go out and embrace a healthy active lifestyle today and set your children up for the best active and happy life possible.