Different Exercises For Different Age Groups Of Children

We’ve discussed across several posts that obesity and health problems in kids are interlinked. This makes it mandatory for you as parents to be considerate about the fitness of your kids. As a parent you must ensure that your kids get enough exercise to stay physically active and eat healthy. Each kid may have their own fitness capabilities. Hence, try to encourage them in the physical activity that they are interested in.  The interest in any physical activity is again dependent on the ability of the kid to perform such an activity and their body type. These are again interdependent on the age of the child. For instance the exercises or games that a toddler may be interested in may not be a cup of tea for a teenage kid, they have their own interest and capabilities. Now how to decide the appropriate activities for your kid? Consider their age and learn the activities practiced by kids of the same age group.

Toddlers

Kids between the ages of 1 to 3 basically fall under the group of toddlers. The fine motor and gross motor skills are developed with respect to the physical fitness of kids in this age group. They try to move the large and small muscles that help them to walk, jump, climb, hold and pull or draw things.  According to the National Association of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE), USA no toddler should be physically inactive for more than 1 hour, except when they’re sleeping. At least 30 minutes of group play under the supervision of an adult and another 30 minutes of time for free play should be allocated for the kid. The adult supervised activity should be such that it gives the toddlers the opportunity to move their muscles around improving the flexibility like walking, running, climbing stairs, jumping, playing catch and many more. Likewise during free play the kid should be encouraged to run, jump, pull and push toys and play intellectual games such as building blocks. Group physical activities help the toddler to mingle around with other kids and help them move socially with confidence.

Pre-school kids

Kids between the age of 3 to 5 fall under this group. Now no longer toddlers, these kids are interested to move in small groups to play. Having developed their fine and gross motor skills well, they’d love to run, jump, kick and play and climb several times. Some aerobic activities such as swimming, tricycle riding, dancing, depending on their interest can be introduced. They can also be enrolled into martial arts. According to the NASPE, a preschool kid should be allotted a 60 minutes structured play under the supervision of an adult and 60 minutes of free play.

School kids

Kids between the ages between 6 and 12 fall in this group. Matured enough, they require at least one hour of rigorous physical activity which is mandatory and being inactive for more than 2 hours is not advised. The physical activities for this age group can be playing out door games, cycling, swimming, kicking, dancing and incorporating martial art activities such as karate. Stretching exercises during Physical Education sessions at school also play a vital role since such stretching exercises and outdoor activities help the kids of this age group to strengthen and tone their muscles and improve muscle coordination thus forming a base foundation to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Teenagers

Being physically, emotionally and intellectually well-developed teenagers have the choice to select activities according to their interest and capability. This could include anything ranging from an outdoor sport like football, hockey, baseball, basketball, athletics, minimally workout at a gym for half an hour, practicing yoga, joining a new martial art like kung fu or karate, learning a new step from either salsa, zumba or bharatanatyam.  Teenagers very well understand their interests and all that they require at this age is encouragement and support from family members.

Depending upon the personality and capability of your kid, it’s important that you stay active and encourage them to participate in the physical activity of their interest. Though children may like to remain physically active they require a tangible assistance from you as parents to guide and support them. Providing a safe environment and safe equipment in terms of toys is equally important for toddlers and preschool age kids. Identifying your child’s capability in a certain sport or their capability as an athlete and providing boost will help them to not only achieve success in life but also help them lead a healthy lifestyle by being physically active.