Is Your Child Physically Active?

Most parents assume that their children are physically active but unfortunately, most children are not moving enough. Children are lying in bed for 8-10 hours per night, sitting in school for another 7 hours or so, and plopped in front of the TV or computer for 4 or 6 hours every day. Then add the time that they are sitting down to meals and riding in the car and it’s easy to see that many children are too sitting too much.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents should participate in 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day to stay healthy. This means that at least one hour of your child’s day should include aerobic tasks, muscle strengthening motions, and bone strengthening movements.

The majority of your child’s physical activity should consist of aerobic activity. Activities like bike riding, walking and hiking are classified as moderate intensity and should be included every day. Moderate activities will make your child’s heart beat faster and they will breathe harder but not get out of breath.

More intense activities that get your child’s heart beating even faster are classified as vigorous. Jumping rope, swimming, and running or chasing games often make a child want to stop and catch their breath after a few moments. Your child should participate in these activities at least 3 days per week.

To increase muscle strength, your child can climb and swing on playground equipment, wrestle or play tug of war with others, or do push-ups or chin-ups. These daily activities should challenge their muscles but they should not be so difficult that they cannot do them over and over.

Hopping, skipping, jumping, and tumbling are great ways for your child to strengthen their bones every day. Sports that involve kicking, throwing, or swinging are good choices too. Since these activities involve a bit more impact, children should be reminded to use caution and to stop if they feel any discomfort.

Active children are healthy children. By inspiring your child to be active for at least 60 minutes each day, you will be helping them develop healthy habits and attitudes that will last a lifetime.

Dr. Marc Tinsley is a chiropractic physician, fitness and rehabiltation expert, professional speaker, writer, and founder of Fitness For The Rest Of Us™.  He is a leading authority in functional health, fitness and wellness who uses systems of healing and support that work with the body instead of against it.  Dr. Tinsley is distinguished for his unique holistic approach in supporting the body's natural health systems and combining the art and science of chiropractic, exercise, nutrition and emotional health.  Dr Tinsley is available for keynotes and workshops at conventions, conferences, meetings, in-services, and other events for business, schools, associations, non-profits, local government and more.  He practices in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites