Kids Aerobics Activities

Aerobic exercise is as important for kids as it is for adults. The difference lies in the approach to the exercise, however. The approach to kids' exercise should be one of fun and not work. Kids should be able to get all of the aerobic exercise they need to stay fit and healthy by playing actively and having fun.

  1. Benefits

    • As kids regularly run around and are active, they will build endurance and become stronger. Their cardiovascular systems will be made strong by regular exercise. Kids who regularly expend energy have more energy and are more likely to engage in physical activity. Living an active lifestyle will help kids maintain a healthy weight and avoid other health problems that can plague people who live a sedentary lifestyle.

    Suggested Activities

    • There are many forms of active play that appeal to children. Strive to find a few different activities that a child will enjoy and look forward to doing. Some of the many kinds of active play include swimming, biking, baseball, soccer, jumping rope, basketball and skating. In addition to these activities, children can get beneficial exercise simply by running, jumping, climbing and playing at a playground or park. Encourage a game of tag or hide-and-seek. Children can play blind man's bluff or hopscotch. Even an old-fashioned activity like flying a kite can provide exercise and activity for children.

    Time

    • It may be best not to get caught up in rigid timing of activities; however, for aerobic exercise to be beneficial, it must be performed for a minimum amount of time. Keep in mind that aerobic exercise should last for at least 1 hour every day for school-age children. This does not have to occur consecutively and can be broken up into smaller increments of activity throughout the day. Preschoolers should have 1 hour of active free play time and 1 hour of a structured physically active activity each day. Toddlers need 1 hour of active free play time and 1/2 hour of a structured physically active activity each day.

    Make It Family Time

    • Children will naturally model the examples that are set for them. If parents wish to raise healthy and fit children, this can be much easier to do if the parents themselves are also fit and healthy. Parents should engage in regular physical activity and exercise and talk about what they are doing with their children. Families can also have physically active fun together by playing active games outside and by engaging in activities together. Take family walks and bike rides, play at the park, go swimming and play basketball outside in the driveway. Children will learn that being active is fun and will want to play like this.