Why Kids Need To Be Active

By All American Fitness

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SKINNY FAT

Several years ago, Time Magazine reported on the alarming new “skinny-fat” phenomenon. Unless a person is clearly anorexic, many people commonly equate being thin with being healthy. This is often not the case. Many young people have fast metabolisms that allow them to eat whatever they want without gaining weight. But they could still have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and be out of shape. Many youths appear outwardly healthy but share many of the same risk factors as obese people.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE

While poor diet is a major contributor to poor health among children and teens, a lack of exercise is even more serious. Regular exercise can burn off the extra calories and fat gained by a bag of potato chips or a McDonald’s hamburger, but even a good diet isn’t enough to keep a child healthy if they don’t exercise. Not only does exercise help strengthen your children’s muscles and bones, but it can also reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Beyond that, exercise is good for a child’s mental health as well. Kids who play and exercise regularly, especially with family and friends, tend to be happier and have a more positive attitude.

EXERCISE PAYS DIVIDENDS

The habits you build early in life are more likely to stay with you as you get older. People who were active as a child are more likely to remain active later in life. Playing fosters a child’s imagination, which can help them to be well-rounded as they age. It also keeps them healthy and builds good sleeping habits, both of which will be a boon as they grow older. Adults who got regular exercise as children are more likely to exercise regularly in their adult years, keeping them healthier longer.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR KID TO EXERCISE

Many of the problems facing children today are directly related to modern technologies and habits. Children who watch TV or play video games for hours at a time are less likely to exercise regularly. In addition, these lazy habits often foster other bad habits, such as drinking lots of sugary drinks or eating excessive junk food. Try to set limits on how many hours a week your child is allowed to watch TV, play video games or use their tablet. Team up with another parent and sign your child up for sports with a friend. In doing so, you may foster healthier habits for the rest of their lives.