A healthy diet and regular exercise is the best way for anyone—young or old—to keep fit and stay fit. Though we know kids are more active in general, it’s vital for them to be physically active every day to encourage healthy growth and development. So, if kids have a healthy lifestyle pattern in place at an early age, they’ll benefit from the results for the rest of their lives.
Choosing a healthy lifestyle probably won’t be at the top of many kids’ priority list but helping them lead an active one is essential. With loads of health benefits—from keeping a healthy and strong body to improving their focus, sleep, and energy levels—regular physical activity is an all in one workout for their physical health and mental wellbeing.
The physical benefits
With physical activity helping to keep their body healthy and strong, regular activity helps in other key areas too. It helps develop their brain, movement, and balance skills while strengthening their muscles and bones, and prevents excessive weight gain. But the health benefits of physical activity don’t stop there – it also helps to:
- Build a healthy heart
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Improve flexibility, posture, and coordination
- Reduce the risk of diabetes and other conditions
The mental benefits
Regular activity helps children maintain healthy mental wellbeing too. Giving them a more positive outlook on life, exercise releases a rush of endorphins that go hand in hand with higher energy levels and better moods. It also helps them build confidence and self-esteem, all of which adds up to happy kids. Going deeper, the mental benefits of physical exercise are far-reaching, helping children to:
- Reduce anxiety, stress, and depression
- Improve their view on body image in themselves and others
- Develop important social skills
- Aid development of both gross and fine motor skills
- Improve relationship skills by making new friends
Group or solo exercise?
When children are active, they pick up and learn healthy habits and skills that will last a lifetime. In doing so, it will help them become better equipped to deal with any physical and emotional challenges life throws at them along the way.
While there are plenty of ways to get your kids active, it’s important to help them discover activities they’ll enjoy – and that depends on their personality. Whether they’re solo activities like bike riding or swimming or more group-based exercises or team sports that will give them a real sense of inclusion and belonging.
One of the most effective and fun forms of group exercise around comes with our own FloatFit GROW classes. They’re a high energy fitness class on water designed for children aged 10 and up to lead a happy and active lifestyle while challenging their balance and improving their water confidence.
If that sounds like a good match for your child, find out more about our FloatFit GROW classes or find a class near you today!
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