The Importance of Exercise for Children

We know just how important it is to stay fit and be active every day, in order to better ourselves, our bodies and even our lifestyle. Aspects like our bones and muscles are very important to us (especially in the growing stages for children) therefore it is up to us to help them develop, make them stronger and to be more active, starting at a young age of course. Like most adults, all children need to exercise or partake in physical activity as often as possible in order to better develop the body and keep the body in a reasonable healthy state. We often hear and see how the children of today are either not getting enough exercise per day resulting in some becoming overweight or simply that they are exercising at all. It can be said that with exercise come various programs and within these programs come various forms of training. Each type of training is effective and unique, working various parts of the body respectively. These types of training can often include a wide array of guidelines, which not only provide a safe environment for the child but also offer objectives and provide an understanding of what is correct, needed and effective for their body. Having guidelines for training is no doubt important, especially when children can get injured easily and with the risk of obesity on the rise. When children exercise or simply train their body, they need to have a clear understanding on how and why they should exercise as well as what their body needs at their particular age.

According to the President’s Council of Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (2012:1), it can be estimated that one in three children are physically active every day and that although many parents provide healthy environments for their children, it is known th...

... middle of paper ...

...provided, opportunities for our children do not only remain healthy but can be put in place to improve their health, which is of benefit to our society in general. All in all, various guidelines need to be put in place no matter the age of the child, as every child is capable of achieving a set of guidelines; it’s just the believing in themselves and the process of understanding that needs to be more focused on. These various guidelines no doubt set a benchmark not only for children but parents as well, where there needs to be an inclusion of parent to child relationships within the exercise aspects. Setting guidelines are of an importance, thus setting the child up for a healthier lifestyle and mental approach. Healthy children will become healthy adults; it’s just the process of identification, determination and trying to make a difference that is going to count.