There is a broad range of activities that the youth of today can engage in.
But, unfortunately, good exercise habits have died down, and only the older generation seem to be giving it life.
So, this begs the question: how can we get our youth to stay active?
Is exercise important?
Exercise is beneficial in various ways listed below:
1. Good health
Exercise routines are a great way to achieve a healthy weight and lower a young person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Additionally, a high level of energy doesn’t fade away in adulthood, which is excellent!
2. Boosts mental health
While exercise is essential for physical health, studies have proved that it also extends to the mind, lowering the risk of depression and anxiety, which are common problems for kids today.
3. Evokes self-esteem
Activity produces chemicals that make our kids feel great about themselves, increasing self-esteem and self-worth.
4. Good scores at school
Research shows that exercise enhances brain activity, leading to better performance in math and reading areas of the curriculum.
5. Increases Vitamin D supply
Vitamin D is crucial if you want strong bones and a robust immune system.
As our kids spend time outside, this increases their levels of Vitamin D.
However, sunscreen and caps are essential assets when the UV index is high so that you can reduce the risk of skin cancer.
6. Enhanced social contact
Exercise activities are an excellent way for our kids to meet and introduce new friends into their circle.
As adults, they will find it easy to be part of groups, especially for lovers of team sports.
How to replace screen time with exercise routines?
Per the Department of Health, most of our children and teenagers do not meet the required exercise standards.
Reports show that only one in ten Australian kids achieve 60 minutes of exercise daily.
Our kids start exercise routines and fall out of them quickly due to a lack of genuine interest. If they can’t enjoy it, then how can they keep it going?
As parents, it’s our responsibility to find an exercise that suits our kids’ personalities.
For instance, if they like solo sports, they should try skateboarding, running, or biking.
At the same time, those who wish to take roles in groups may find participating in team sports perfect.
You should also consider if they prefer aerobic exercise, strength, or flexibility training.
Aerobic exercises are suitable for a healthy heart and lungs and include engaging in basketball, soccer, hockey, rowing, tennis, biking, running, and swimming.
Engaging the muscles during exercise is one way to achieve strength. It is attainable through rowing, biking, and running.
As for flexibility training, we have gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, and yoga.
Great exercise options for young people
If your kid is doing well in PE and other school sports, that’s great. If not, consider the activities below which take place outside the school curriculum:
1. Gymnastics
Flexibility incorporates stretching and bending the muscles and joints effortlessly.
Gymnastics enhances flexibility and can be great fun if your child has an interest. It is perfect for kids that welcome challenges as it may evoke a sense of pride when specific skills or routines are achieved.
Find a local gymnastics club near you for recreational programs that may include competitive gymnastics if your kid is thirsty for the medal.
2. Ice skating
Find a skating rink around your area if your child has been bugging you for figure-skating lessons.
For shared motivation, your kid may do well in ice hockey clubs.
3. Trampolining
Another great option to get your child away from the screen is trampolining.
However, it calls for an investment in a trampoline.
If that is not feasible for you, your local trampolining centre will likely give lessons and provide a meeting point for your child and their friends, especially on weekends and holidays.
4. Climbing walls
If your child gets fascinated by mountain hikes or climbing, climbing walls may be a great way to fulfil that desire.
Additionally, this activity boosts physical strength. You can even join in, giving them a better experience.
5. Boxing
Boxing enhances stamina, discipline, and strength while still promoting heath. Find a boxing club near you for young people.
How about some free activities?
Below are cost-effective activities that are the perfect exercise for kids.
● Running
If your child isn’t into competitive sports, running may be a suitable sport. Every week, Parkrun, a charity organization, offers free 5k runs for all ages in Australia.
Get online and register your family for the next run!
● Dog walking
If your child likes dogs and can’t find a suitable sporting activity, they could volunteer to walk the dogs in your local community or pet shelter.
With as little as 20 minutes of walking, it influences brain activity.
● YouTube
YouTube has proven to be a helpful resource and ideal if your child isn’t looking forward to some time under the sun.
The good news is there are several exercise programs to choose from. However, it is advisable to check the appropriateness of a video in advance.
Conclusion
Various studies have found that exercise is beneficial in several ways. In addition, there are different sporting activities for our kids to try.
Don’t let inactivity ruin your child’s life; find an ideal local club near you to explore the possibilities!