10 Benefits of Physical Activity for Kids Fitness

Discover 10 important benefits of physical activity. Some of them may surprise you! Improve your kids fitness with fun, physical activities, exercise, and games. These health related fitness tips will help your kids combat childhood obesity and grow into healthy adults.

It's a disturbing fact that kids fitness levels are plummeting, childhood obesity levels are at record highs, and the overall health and wellness of the family is on a steep decline.

And there are no signs of slowing down...

Children are more sedentary now more than ever, and when children are inactive on a regular and long-term basis, the stage is set for health problems to creep up on them later in life.

As parents, we can't leave it up to the schools to provide the exercise and physical activities needed for the development of our kids' healthy bodies.

Related articles:

What is the definition of physical fitness?

What is aerobic exercise?

Alarming childhood obesity statistics

Fun cardio exercise activities for kids

Exercise and Physical Activity

Many people, including a lot of kids, are put off at the thought of exercise. In their minds, it sounds hot and tiring and painful!

Well, it doesn't have to be. In fact, with the right activities, getting in shape can be pretty fun!

The secret is finding the right activities...

1 lb of fat

Research shows that kids who are inactive often become adults who are inactive. And when the human body doesn't exert itself to burn the energy it consumes in the form of food, that energy is stored as FAT. Gross, huh?!

There are a lot of health problems associated with inactivity:

There is good news though...

A little exercise each day can improve each area. Studies show that it only takes at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity level activity everyday to reap the health benefits of exercise. 

Kids Fitness: Benefits of Physical Activity

We've all heard that exercise is good for us but, in case you wonder what that really means, here are some proven benefits:

1. Weight control - Whether you want to lose weight or maintain it, exercise burns calories.
2. Reduced risk of disease - Staying active helps prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, some forms of cancer, & more.
3. Improved mood - There's not a better way to burn off steam or feel better about yourself. Exercise causes the brain to release chemicals that make you feel better.
4. Increased endurance - Physical activity helps your heart and lungs function more efficiently, so you don't lose your breath so quickly.
5. Increased muscular strength - Providing regular stress to your muscles makes them stronger.

And that's just for starters...

Other benefits of physical activity include: 

1. Improving learning
2. Aiding in healthy growth and development 
3. Building self-esteem
4. Keeping kids out of trouble
5. Creating a lasting bond between parents and children

But more than anything, playing kids fitness games can be just plain FUN!

Many of the games listed in Kids Sports Activities are aimed at helping keep kids healthy by getting them active.

There's a wide variety of kids fitness games to choose from, so you should have no trouble finding plenty of opportunities to get your hearts pumping, burn some calories, and enjoy all the benefits of physical activity! Give Zumba a try!

Visit AHA Healthy Kids to learn more about the importance of staying active and eating healthy.

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