Exercise for Kids

Overview
Life in society has become sedentary. Children sit at home and play video games or watch TV rather than play outside and get exercise. This placid life has caused children to become overweight. If their schedule does not include activities like cycling, running and being outdoors for at least an hour every day, they should follow a regimented exercise program. Parents can help by creating certain goals that aim at weight loss and suggest a daily routine involving a workout or exercise program that works for their child.

3- to 6-year olds

Children should have a high level of physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day. If parents are unable to get their kids to go out of the house and play catch or play tag with friends for 30 minutes every day, they should enroll them in a good gym that caters to children. Children from age 3 should have some form of physical activity, running being a preferred form of exercise so that they are able to maintain their running speed.

Endurance in an individual's exercise program is essential, and that only comes from regular exercise. Children between the ages 3 to 6 do not require a regimented work out rather any form of exercise may it be running up the stairs, playing tag, jumping rope or going to a children's gym where they can do an hour's work out three days a week are only some options.

6-15 year olds

Getting kids involved in strength training is an important aspect of being healthy. However, this should only be done under supervision. Strength training helps children burn fat and creates muscle mass allowing a child to get fit without losing unnecessary weight. This is the best option for kids between the age of 6 and 15 years. Weight lifting should not be allowed for children under the age of 15.

Children should be able to accomplish a work-out for at least 30 minutes every day. The work out should alternate between upper body, lower body and core exercises.

Obviously, a 6 year old would be able to accomplish exercises simpler in nature, so for children between the ages 6-8 years exercises could be 10 sit-ups, 10 push-ups and 10 pulls ups in the morning and then the same routine in the evening. The next day the child could opt to run at a steady pace for 30 minutes. This can take the form of play or jogging. The same exercises can be done on alternate days. Children between the age of 8-15 can achieve more and can easily jog 30 minutes every day and do 25 push-ups, 25 pull-ups and 25 sit-ups every day.

15-18 year olds

Young teenagers are on the brink of adulthood and require more toning and regimental exercises that they can carry out throughout their lives. Hydraulic equipment that helps people do core and aerobic exercises like exercise balls and resistance mats, are important accessories for teenagers. While many gyms cater to young teens allowing them access to equipment catered to different age groups, the fact is not every parent can afford gyms.

However, hydraulic equipment can be bought at cheap prices and one exercise DVD catered towards kid's exercises can help a child be physically fit. With obesity and being overweight becoming an increasing risk it is essential for parents to ensure that their child's cardiovascular health is looked after.

Sources:
Kids and Exercise: kidshealth.org/parent/fitness/general/exercise.html