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Good Ways to Exercise for Kids

Exercise may bring to mind visions of weights, a treadmill, or an elliptical machine, but exercise can be achieved in many ways that do not require special equipment. Exercising can be done while enjoying the outdoors, showing off the family dog, or shoveling snow. In addition, the benefits of exercise include greater health, strength, and endurance, as well as reduced risks of diabetes and obesity. Kids who are physically fit also sleep better and may better manage stressful situations, such as physical and emotional challenges.

  1. Sports

    • Joining a sports team is a great way for children to learn about sportsmanship, discipline, and goal setting, and will help them to get in shape while having fun. Information on sports groups can be obtained at your local recreation center, school, or YMCA.

    Bicycling

    • For children who are old enough to ride a bike, bicycling can be a way to exercise and become familiar with their neighborhood. Bicycling improves balance, burns calories, and strengthens the legs. Taking a family trip while exploring trails is good exercise for everyone.

    Running/ Walking

    • Running is also beneficial. Visiting a local track and timing a child's progress can be a great motivator. Doing this several times a week will increase the child's endurance and improve her physical fitness. According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, school-age children should get an hour of exercise per day, so combining walking with running exercises is a good way to meet the daily requirement.

    Old-Fashioned Play

    • Improving strength can be done without the use of equipment. While jump ropes and jungle gyms are helpful, children can also get strong with old-fashioned exercises such as push-ups, crunches, and leg lifts. Climbing trees, playing tag, and wrestling are other ways kids can strengthen their muscles.

    Video Games

    • According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average child watches about 3 hours of television per day. In addition, she spends 5½ hours daily on the computer, watching DVD's, or playing video games. All these activities are sedentary, requiring little physical effort, and the child should be encouraged to get away from the screen and do something active. But for those who enjoy playing video games, some modern game systems make it possible to get fit with interactive games that enhance physical fitness. And while this may be an expensive option, it may make some parents feel better about their child's video game obsession.

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