The reasons why kids need to be active are numerous, but the benefits are well-known to everyone. In addition to strengthening bones and muscles, exercise improves mental and behavioral health, and encourages healthy lifestyle habits. The benefits of exercise are many, but we’ll focus on three major categories: athletes and nonathletes. Nonathletes often have limited athletic ability or simply dislike physical activity. These kids may have even suffered from bullying or ridicule for being different. They may end up abandoning physical activity altogether. Those who aren’t athletes, but are nonetheless interested in staying active, are casual athletes. Casual athletes can be overlooked in competitive athletic environments, but should be supported and encouraged.
Exercise improves mental and behavioral health
Despite the fact that psychologists rarely use exercise to treat patients, the benefits of physical activity on mental and behavioral health are undeniable. Exercise promotes a happier mood and increases self-esteem. According to Dr. Shawna Charles, PhD, who received her doctorate from Walden University, physical exercise improves mental and behavioral health. She runs a boxing gym in Los Angeles that offers fitness training, counseling, and social services to individuals and their families.
In addition to physical activity, aerobic exercises improve a person’s mental and behavioral health. Shorter sessions of aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety and improve mood. Regular programs lasting from 10 to 15 weeks have been proven to improve mental health. It’s important to see a doctor before starting an exercise program, as your medical history, current medication, and diagnosed conditions may affect your physical activity and mood. Ask your doctor how to incorporate physical activity into your treatment plan to help you overcome mental and behavioral health challenges.
Researchers have found that physical activity can alter the structure of the brain. Besides changing the brain’s structure, exercise provides a range of subtle benefits. Among them are improved focus, feelings of accomplishment, and social stimulation. Even moderate levels of physical activity, like daily walks, can have a positive impact on mental health. Clinical psychologist Anders Hovland says that even a little bit of exercise is beneficial.
Studies have shown that exercising regularly boosts the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Research has shown that regular exercise reduces anxiety and increases self-esteem. Exercise also improves the capacity for mindfulness. These benefits make exercise an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and an excellent treatment for mental and behavioral problems. For those who have struggled with depression or anxiety, exercise can be a lifeline.
The most difficult part of any workout is finding the motivation to start the workout. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By creating SMART goals and setting aside a daily routine, exercising can be a rewarding experience. Start small and gradually increase the time you spend on it. You can also try something new. The more you exercise, the more you’ll feel the benefits of regular exercise. Even the slightest increase in exercise can make all the difference.
Strengthens muscles and bones
Growing kids need to be active to strengthen their bones and muscles, and there are many ways to encourage that growth. Playing with their friends in the park or a family dance-off is an excellent way to build their strength, while tug-of-war and family walks add a moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Try this Rails-to-Trails activity to inspire your child’s creative energy.
Children should be encouraged to engage in activities that require weight-bearing motion. Walking, running, and hiking are great activities for developing strong bones, as are sports such as basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and dance. While swimming does not build bone density, playing organized sports will help your child build confidence and muscle mass. In addition to helping strengthen bones and muscles, physical activity will help your child develop fine motor skills and improve mood.
Performing aerobic exercises helps children build muscle endurance and increase heart rate, which helps deliver oxygen to body cells. Doing push-ups, stomach crunches, and pull-ups will help kids develop strong muscles and bones. Children can even engage in handstands, wrestling, or other activities. By increasing muscle flexibility, children can avoid potential injuries. And because kids grow so quickly, they need to be active to strengthen muscles and bones.
While diet is important, physical activity is vital for bones. A balanced diet of healthy foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D will help your child maintain strong bones. Physical activity also helps build muscle and strengthen bones, especially in those parts of the skeleton that bear the most weight. Kids can also benefit from activity that increases bone density in their arms and hips. If they stay active for a few hours a day, they’ll be building their muscles and bones at the same time.
Improves behavior
One of the most common and effective ways to increase physical activity in kids is to go for a family hike or walk the dog. Getting kids outside to exercise has many benefits, including improved attention span and a lower risk of behavioral issues. Outdoor play also improves problem-solving, creative thinking, and safety skills. Unfortunately, many parents are setting unhealthy habits by spending too much time in front of the TV. The good news is that the weather is starting to improve and more opportunities are available for kids to exercise.
Another study revealed that physical activity was linked to improved emotional regulation in kids. The researchers used a wearable device to measure the physical activity of kids to see whether it had any impact on their ability to regulate their emotions. They found that kids who were more active were better able to pay attention to teachers. It was also linked to improved academic performance. Children who engage in physical activity are also less likely to suffer from depression, so early exposure to physical activity is key to their development.
The project will be facilitated by activity leaders who are trained to deliver the program. Training workshops will be provided for all activity leaders. Each activity leader will attend two half-day workshops with the lead author and co-author of the study. All training materials will be uploaded to an online resource platform. These will include the unit plan of the intervention sessions and all materials used during the sessions. All training workshops will be videotaped and will be accessible online.
Encourages healthy lifestyle
As a parent, one of the best things you can do for your child is to promote a healthy lifestyle. Kids are more likely to grow up to be healthy adults if they develop healthy habits in childhood. Children need a healthy lifestyle to grow into strong, healthy adults. Educating your children about healthy eating habits and physical activity is a crucial part of this process. Here are a few tips to help you make healthy choices for your child.
When eating out, always choose healthy and balanced meals. Avoid eating high-fat and high-sugar foods, and choose fresh fruits and vegetables as side dishes and snacks. Also, check labels of foods to make sure there is no added sugar. If eating out, pay attention to portion sizes and avoid sweetened beverages. Sugary beverages and fruit drinks are often loaded with calories. If your child drinks any type of liquid, serve the recommended serving size.
Try to incorporate whole foods and minimally processed foods into your child’s diet. You can even disguise healthy foods. You can mix vegetables into stew, for example, or add a carrot to mashed potato. Or, try adding a sweet dip to apples or other vegetables to disguise their taste and appearance. And remember to avoid giving sweet treats as a reward, because they may feel less valuable. It will be more difficult to encourage kids to eat healthy foods when you give them sweet treats, but you’ll be pleased they have taken the time to try something new.
As a parent, the best way to encourage a healthy lifestyle for your children is by setting an example. Children watch their parents closely, and if you lead by example, they will most likely follow your lead. By showing them how to live a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy food, they’ll eventually adopt the same habits. In the long run, a healthy lifestyle will become a natural part of your life. This is the best way to teach your child to choose the right lifestyle for their growing bodies.