By nature, children are active and energetic; therefore, it is important to channelise the energy in the right place. Engaging them in outdoor physical activities for children can serve the purpose. Regular physical activities for children can be fruitful for their development, as these activities provide both physical and mental strength.The importance of physical activities for kids must be understood because they are continuously growing. During this time, they may require a little extra push from their guardians and mentors for motivation.
Advantages of Physical Activities
There is no doubt movement is important for everyone, but it is vital to know why physical activities are important for children? Well, here are some of the advantages of physical activities for kids.
Overall Growth
When kids are engaged in regular physical activities, you can notice an overall improvement in their muscle strength and flexibility.
Better Motor Skills
Motor skills are movement and actions of muscles, which children develop with age. Some of the basic movement like walking, running and balancing requires motor skills. Research shows that physical activities can improve motor skills and create body awareness.
Development in Social and Communication Skills
Regular involvement in physical activities encourages your child to work in teams and communicate with others. This will help your children develop social and communication skills.
Active Lifestyle
Physical activity on a regular basis plays a major role in keeping your children active and energised. Active children can easily follow timetables and maintain disciplined lifestyles.
Good Mood and Even Better Immune
Exercising can help align your child’s mind and body. This keeps them positive and in a good mood. Outdoor activities further provide your child with enough sunlight, which is essential for vitamin D and immunity. A healthy immune system shields the body by fighting back germs and bacteria.
Weight Management
Involving your children in physical activities will help them in healthy weight management and keep their health in check.
What Physical Activities are Required for Children?
Children require mostly muscle strengthening, bone strengthening and aerobic exercises for overall development. Most children love to play, and physical activities can easily become a part of their daily routines through fun games and activities. Here are some fun physical activities for children that parents can choose from
Muscle Strengthening Exercises
If your child has a competitive streak or likes to play in groups, then opt for any sport, from basketball, swimming to football. These involve a lot of physical movement, which helps in stamina building and muscle strengthening.
Bone Strengthening Exercises
Some activities, like cycling, running, jumping, and climbing, helps your child develop bone strength. Look for similar activities that involve more leg movement to foster bone health.
Aerobic Workouts
If your child is creative and likes music, then opt for an aerobic workout like different dance forms to get your child moving. Aerobic exercises are activities that involve cardio exercises. These include activities like walking and running.
Another fun way to engage your child in physical activity is by taking them on hikes and treks. Hiking and trekking will not just work as a leisurely activity, but they will also work as exercises for them, as both involve long-hours of walking on different forms of terrains.
What is the Recommended Amount of Physical Activity for Children?
The amount of physical activity required for children varies from age to age. Usually, the recommended amount of physical activity for muscle and bone strengthening should range from 60 minutes to 75 minutes every day, and that aerobics workout should be done three days a week. The intensity of these activities should be moderate to vigorous.
A combination of muscle strengthening, bone strengthening, and aerobic exercise is an ideal fitness plan for children because it focuses on overall growth and development, both physically and mentally.
However, consult your doctor or paediatrician before making any drastic changes in your children’s daily routines; it can do more harm than good.
Further, you can also consult a counsellor to identify your children’s interest and talent. This will help them focus and prosper in the field of their interest.
How are Physical Activities Beneficial for Children with Special Needs?
Generally, parents of special needs children are afraid to let their children get involved in any physical activity, as they might get hurt in the process. However, as per experts, it is extremely important for children with special needs. Here are the benefits-
Gaining Confidence
Children with special needs can have confidence issues, and engaging in physical activities can give them a sense of achievement, thus boosting their self-confidence.
Building Social Skills
Social skills are something that many children struggle with, including children with special needs. Practising physical activity with friends can help them build social skills.
Maintaining Weight
Weight gain is possible when parents avoid any physical activity for their children. Exercising can help children with special needs maintain a healthy weight and keep weight-related issues at bay.
Improving Mental Health
Sometimes children with special needs may go through mental health issues; it can improve with some basic physical exercises.
Developing Better Motor Skills
Regular physical activity can improve motor skills among children. This can help them become independent with time.
Conclusion
Physical activities should be an important part of every kid’s lives. Through these, it becomes easy for parents to channelise all their overflowing energy. For more such informative content, check out The Real School Of Montessori blogs to assist your kids to cultivate skills that are relevant and interesting and developed by experts in the field. Visit the site to know more!
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This article provides all range of physical activities in a nutshell.