Most people understand how essential it is to stay active as an adult. It helps to promote better health and prolongs a person’s life, but it isn’t something that’s only for adults. An active lifestyle is equally as necessary for developing the healthy maturation of children as well. It’s why doctors recommend kids practice their sports skills like running, jumping, and playing throughout their childhood. Whether it’s gymnastics, dance classes, or playing at kid’s camps, an active lifestyle provides numerous benefits for children.

The Importance of Sports Skills for Children’s Health

1. Combats Childhood Obesity

Since the 1970s, childhood obesity has steadily increased because of a variety of factors. However, children who exercise their sports skills are less likely to be affected by this trend. Any physical play that gets kids moving helps to burn calories and fat and promotes healthy growth. 

2. Improved Cognitive Development

The maturation of critical thinking skills goes hand in hand with the development of the body, and a healthy body helps to promote a healthy mind. This process is true throughout life; however, it’s especially crucial for growing children as their brains are developing at a much higher rate than when people get older. That’s why staying active is associated with higher test scores. 

3. Builds Stronger Bones

From a person’s pre-teen years through their mid-20s, their bones start to reach their maximum density, and doing weight-bearing activities promotes this healthy bone growth. Activities such as running, lifting weights, and gymnastics tumbling assist in this process and helps to avoid issues with osteoporosis later in life. 

4. Less Stress

Regular exercise releases endorphins and lowers stress levels, and this is just as true for children as it is for adults. Regular play helps to relax kids, which has a multitude of mental benefits and helps them to socialize and perform better in school. 

 

With so many benefits of regularly practicing sports skills for kids, you should find a fun way to keep them active, and The Little Gym of St. Charles in St. Peters, MO, will help. Using their Three-Dimensional Learning approach, their team of trained instructors helps to foster safe and healthy growth of your child through fun activities, group classes, and exciting parties and camp activities, and they can help your child stay enthusiastic about vigorous exercise. Register your child for one of their many courses by calling (636) 970-1220 or learn more online.