Kids have a lot of energy. Whether you take them to the local park or enroll them in sports programs, giving children the opportunity to stay active is vital to their physical and mental health. This guide explains why you should prioritize regular physical activity for your youngsters.

What Does Physical Activity Do for Kids?

Being active helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints. This gives kids strength and flexibility, which will last throughout childhood and the teen years. Aerobic activity is good for heart health and can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. 

Regular exercise and an active lifestyle are also recommended for maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI). According to the CDC, having a BMI outside of the recommended range puts people at a higher risk for health complications. 

Physical activity is also linked to improved academic performance and mental health. Kids who exercise or take part in sports programs have improved self-esteem. It can be mentally hard for adults who had a sedentary childhood to transition to a fitness-focused lifestyle. By contrast, kids who have early life access to fitness centers and regular exercise are more likely to pursue healthy activity levels in adulthood voluntarily. 

Encourage your school-aged children to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Tips for Helping Your Kids Stay Active

Make it Fun

Socially outgoing kids may do better with team sports, while introverts often prefer solitary activities, such as jumping rope or swimming. Talk to your child about their preferences and help them build an activity schedule that suits their unique personality.

Limit Screen Time

When kids don’t have constant access to computers, video games, and smartphones, they’re more likely to stay physically active. Set time limits on their daily screen exposure. Lead by example and skip evening TV in favor of a family walk or a game like tag.

Visit Activity-Friendly Locations

When planning family outings, pick areas where it’s easy for kids to run around. Local parks and community sports fields are wonderful, free-of-charge opportunities to engage in some healthy physical activity. Using playground equipment such as jungle gyms helps build muscle, while riding a bike around paved areas can increase aerobic health.

If you’re looking for fun and safe ways to keep your kids exercising, check out the parks, fitness centers, and sports programs available through Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Department in Arkansas. Their Martin Street Youth Center is a no-fee facility that’s open to kids ages 8 to 15 and offers activities such as ping-pong, basketball courts, and martial arts classes. Visit their website or follow them on Facebook for the latest information on kid-friendly fitness events. You can also call (501) 982-4171 to speak to a friendly staff member today.