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Why is TherapyZone interested in children's fitness?
Here a few startling but true facts:
Why is exercise or physical activity important for children and adolescents?
Regular physical activity helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints. In addition, physically active children enjoy other health benefits, such as
- weight control
- lower blood pressure
- improved psychological well-being
- a tendency to be more physically active as adults
Regular physical activity in adulthood reduces the risk of heart disease.
How much activity does a child need?
A healthy level of physical activity requires regular participation in activities that increase energy expenditure above resting levels. An active child participates in physical education classes, plays sports, performs regular household chores, spends recreational time outdoors and regularly travels by foot or bicycle.
Health professionals who make exercise recommendations for children should consider the child’s age, gender and inclination toward activity. The season of the year and parental attitudes toward exercise should also be considered.
What are general guidelines for healthy physical activity?
- Regular walking, bicycling and outdoor play; use of playgrounds and gymnasiums; and interaction with other children.
- Weekly participation in age-appropriate organized sports, lessons, clubs or sandlot games.
- Daily school or day-care physical education that includes at least 20 minutes of coordinated large-muscle exercise.
- Access to school buildings and community facilities that enable safe participation in physical activity.
- A range of extracurricular programs in schools and community recreation centers to meet the needs and interests of specific populations, such as racial and ethnic minority groups, females, persons with disabilities and low-income groups.
- Opportunities for physical activity that are fun, increase confidence in participating in physical activity, and involve friends and peers.
- Regular family outings that involve walking, cycling, swimming or other recreational activities.
- Positive role modeling for a physically active lifestyle by parents, other caretakers, physicians and school personnel.
Physical activity is important for all children, including those who are less coordinated. Physical activity is particularly helpful for children with a weight problem in relation to both their physical and psychological well-being.
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