Physical activity is important especially for kids. While a healthy, balanced diet for adults as well as kids provide essential vitamins, minerals and other nutritional foods that are required for a healthy body, any form of physical activity is equally essential. Staying physically active can protect you from conditions like obesity and anxiety, and can improve posture, mental alertness thereby leading to a healthy mind and body.
When most adults think about exercise and physical activity, it is usually working out in the gym, running or lifting weights. However, for kids exercise means playing and being physically active. Kids exercise when they have PE class at school, by running around during school breaks, at dance class or soccer practice, while riding bikes, or when playing hide-and-seek or tag.
Parents can help instil a love for activity and help kids make it a part of their daily routine. It is important to remember that physical activity must be planned and a set healthy pattern should be in place which will last well into adulthood. “Good nutrition and plenty of exercise are the building blocks for strong growth, healthy development and lifelong wellbeing for kids”, says Hala Barghout, Barni Nutritionist.
The health benefits that children gain from leading an active life are boundless and simultaneously there are some additional health benefits:
- They develop stronger muscles and bones.
- Active kids improve their body’s ability to absorb oxygen through exercise. Due to the increased oxygen in their body’s cells they feel more energised. More oxygen translates into more energy.
- Physically active kids breathe better and sweat more. Breathing and sweating are great ways to detoxify the body and help it keep itself clean. Kids who exercise feel fitter and more energised because of their body’s ability to detoxify.
- Kids increase their over-all fitness through exercise.
Below are tips on how to inspire kids to embrace physical activity at home:
- Make a game out of household chores.
- Set up the dinner table.
- Team up for gardening.
- Walk the dog.
- Boogie to music.
With thanks to Hala Barghout, Barni Nutritionist.