Health Benefits of Exercising and Play - Start Young for Increased Protection Later in Life

I didn't know, nor did I care about the benefits of exercising when I was young. Being outside and playing, riding my bike, whizzing down a snowy hill on my sled or the seat of my pants, going to the swimming pool, racing from one friend's house to the next was, to put it plainly, fun. Playing baseball with the boys was really fun. I loved hitting a home run and watching the sullen faces of the boys on the opposing team as the ball sailed over the fence. It's hard for some boys to be beaten by a girl. Every activity or sport turned into a competition. It didn't matter if it was between the girls in gym class or boys on the baseball diamond, I gave it 110 %. Little did I know at that time in my young life, I was preparing my body as it grew older.

We know so much more now about the benefits of exercising when young and how it protects us as we age. Physical Education was my major in college. Research studies were beginning to be published in medical journals concerning exercising, sports and the benefits provided to young girls. These studies suggested healthy rewards could follow them throughout their lives. After years of research, the health benefits continue to support earlier studies showing exercising when young will follow girls as well as boys into their golden years with increased benefits.

It's believed that woman who engage in exercising at a young age have a decreased chance of developing breast cancer, heart disease, other forms of cancer and osteoporosis later in life. Teenage girls tend to be more self confident and social than those who don't participate in sport activities, are less likely to have depression (teen girls have more depression than boys) and not as apt to become pregnant. They are also more likely to finish high school and go on to graduate from college, avoid the drug scene and not smoke. Those who may try smoking are more likely to quit. Exercising at a young age can also help ease menstrual cramps when the monthly curse of maturing into womanhood begins.

Of course family history should not be ignored just because one exercised when young. Exercise alone can not erase all health issues. However, most who exercise lead a healthier life by eating right and not smoking. Kids who learn healthy habits at home are more likely to continue those habits as adults.

I admit to having an advantage growing up. We only had 3 channels on TV. One can only watch so many episodes of The Mickey Mouse Show, Lassie and The Wonderful World of Disney. My favorite time to watch TV was when Dad was watching a baseball game. Our team was and still is The New York Yankees. Watching baseball drew me into the game. Not only did I love to watch a game, I discovered it was a lot more fun to actually play the sport. Being active in multiple sports growing up, I not only gained from the benefits of exercising at a young age, the health rewards can help me navigate through the aging process.

A study conducted by researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis was published in 2006. The study concluded, exercising when you are young reduces the risk of bone fractures later in life. Playing and exercising at a young age increases bone size and strength. As we grow older, we experience bone loss. If you exercised when you were young, extra layers of bone were added outside the bone. Since bone loss begins on the inside surface of the bone and works out, those who got lots of exercise at a young age have larger bones which in turn helps protect against fractures later in life. In order to stimulate bone growth in your child, they only need short spurts of activity a couple of times a week.

Video games, cable and satellite TV, DVDs, DVRs, and even some of our elected political leaders have tried to force playing and physical activity to a back burner. Physical stimulus whether through inside or outside play times, sports activities or parents shutting off the TV and going for a walk or tossing a ball around is essential for building strong bodies and minds. What you teach your child today could give them a healthier and safer retirement.

It's never too late for adults to get active. Being a role model for your children have rewards for both of you. The right time to begin leading a healthier life begins when you are ready. It doesn't matter when you start, just that you do. Your kids can make exercise more fun, give them and yourself a chance. Exercising at a young age have too many health perks to ignore. Besides, everyone wants to look good in their bathing suit at the beach during those summer outings with the family. Right? Do yourself and your child a favor. Go fly a kite, ride a bike, take a hike or whatever you like to do as a family and start enjoying the benefits of playing and exercise.

Exercise When Young May Reduce Risk of Fractures Later In Life, ScienceDaily

The Benefits of Exercise and Sports Participation For Kids, health.wellness.edietstar.com

Lifelong Live of Exercise Begins With Children, life123