by Ann E. Smith

Created on: April 24, 2009

Exercise is important for all people, including children. Young people need to have a balanced life that does not involve too much time in front of a computer or television one that includes physical activities. Below are a few things that highlight the importance of exercise for children.

1) Exercise is good for the body.

Children are full of energy, and as such, they need to burn some of it with vigorous exercising and games. Exercise will help their bodies maintain muscular strength as they grow. And, it will help prevent obesity, which is increasingly becoming a problem with the very young.

Years ago, young children naturally got exercise, as they played tag or went biking with their friends in the neighborhood. That was how they spent their free time. They were very active.

Unfortunately, today's kids are not so inclined. They instead would prefer to spend hours listening to their iPods or playing video games or emailing their friends. Technology advancements have made children more sedentary, and that is not good.

Children should be encouraged to get at least an hour of exercise each day. If you have kids, encourage them to join a sports group such as the soccer or swim team. If that is not their thing, then get on a family plan at a gym and take your child there each day.

You can also go on family outings to get exercise. Spending a Saturday with your family on a hike or bike ride is a great way to bond and stay active.

2) Exercise is important for the mind.

People often stress the physical benefits of exercise, but it is equally important for the mind. When you exercise vigorously, your brain releases the feel-good chemicals endorphins. This is your mind's way of giving you a natural high.

When children exercise, they are also able to burn off steam. Childhood can be exciting but it comes with fears and anxieties as well. Exercise is a positive way to work through certain thoughts and clear the mind.

Children who exercise on a regular basis will also be supplying plenty of oxygen to their brains. They are creating a balance in their lives, and exercise will help them perform better in a variety of settings.

3) Exercise is a positive pastime.

During children's early years, they are forming habits that may stick with them for a lifetime. It's important that these habits be positive ones, and exercise certainly fits into that category.

Encourage your children to make exercise become a priority in their lives. If they do this on a solid basis, then they will likely stay more fit and healthy as the years progress.

4) Exercise develops coordination and other physical skills.

Children who exercise frequently are developing their coordination, and finding out what comes by them naturally. Through regular exercise, kids may find certain skills that will contribute to organized sports at a later period in their lives.

Exercise only offers benefits for children. It will help contribute to their overall self-esteem, physical presence and outlook. The importance of exercise for children cannot be stressed enough. It should definitely be a top priority.

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