A healthy lifestyle must include physical activity, especially for children. It offers a wide range of advantages that are essential for normal growth and development. Children who engage in regular physical activity are found to have a lower incidence of chronic illnesses and better mental health outcomes than their peers who do not.
It’s a common misconception that to become physically fit, one needs to engage in demanding activities. However, it’s possible to improve one’s health and fitness levels by performing routine activities at home. For instance, tossing a softball, swimming a lap, climbing a set of stairs, walking to the store, or carrying packages can all contribute to your overall physical activity levels. Such activities can help individuals of all ages, including children, achieve better fitness and overall health without the need for a gym or any strenuous exercise regime.
Here, in this blog, we are going to discuss 10 benefits of physical activity for children:
1. Healthy growth and development:
Children who establish a consistent physical activity regimen reduce their susceptibility to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other chronic illnesses that can drastically affect their lives. Such a routine assists in building a robust and healthy physique that promotes longevity and enhances overall well-being. According to WHO, people who do not participate in regular physical activity have a 20% to 30% increased risk of death compared to physically active people, which influences healthy growth and development.
2. Stronger Bones:
Strengthening bones via exercise can lower the risk of getting osteoporosis in later life. According to research, children who regularly engage in physical exercise have higher bone mineral density than their inactive counterparts, which can improve the health of their bones as they age.
3. Good cardiovascular system:
Regular exercise enhances cardiovascular health, which lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic illnesses. Research shows that children who engage in regular physical activity have superior cardiovascular health outcomes, including lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, and improved arterial function.
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4. Increases strength and endurance:
Physical activity helps to increase strength and endurance, which can improve overall physical fitness and reduce the risk of injury. Research shows that children who participate in regular physical activity have better muscular strength and endurance than their inactive peers, which can lead to better physical function and lower rates of injury.
5. Controlled weight:
Regular physical activity helps to maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the risk of obesity and related health problems. Research shows that children who participate in regular physical activity have lower rates of obesity and associated health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Janssen et al., 2005).
6. Mental Health:
Physical activity can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in children. Research shows that children who participate in regular physical activity have better mental health outcomes, such as lower rates of depression and anxiety, than their inactive peers (Stathopoulou et al).
7. Improvement in cognition function:
Physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function, including attention, memory, and academic performance. Research shows that children who participate in regular physical activity have better cognitive function outcomes, such as better academic performance, than their inactive peers (Hillman et al., 2019).
8. Improves social skills and communication:
Participating in physical activities can help children develop social skills and build friendships. Research shows that children who participate in regular physical activity have better social outcomes, such as better social skills and peer relationships, than their inactive peers.
9. Promotes fun and healthy play:
Physical activity provides children with opportunities for fun and play, which are important for their overall well-being. Research shows that children who participate in physical activity have better overall well-being outcomes, such as higher levels of enjoyment, than their inactive peers.
10. Healthy lifestyle for lifelong:
Regular physical activity in childhood can establish lifelong healthy habits that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Research shows that children who participate in regular physical activity are more likely to continue being physically active as adults, which can lead to better health outcomes.
In summary, physical activity is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, especially for children. Regular physical activity has a wide range of benefits, including better cardiovascular health, stronger bones, enhanced mental health, and the formation of lifelong healthy habits. Children who engage in regular physical activity develop good habits that can continue into adulthood and improve their overall health and well-being. By providing opportunities for play and fun and modeling healthy behaviors, parents and educators can play an essential role in motivating children to be physically active. We can ensure healthier futures for future generations by encouraging children to be physically active.
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