Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart builds Great Futures for kids. You can help continue that mission by donating $25 to the new club in Elkhart.
By: Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart
It’s no secret that exercise is good for you — and it’s especially good for kids.
Kids ages 6 to 17 years old should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
And no, that doesn’t mean kids need to run laps for an hour every day. Physical activity can range from something as simple as walking to school or playing at the park to vigorous activity like playing a competitive sport. In fact, participating in a variety of activities can have a bigger impact than sticking to one activity.
Here are 8 ways exercise helps create Great Futures.
It reduces the risk of obesity… now and later
Let’s start with the basics. An active kid is typically less likely to be overweight or obese as a child than a kid who doesn’t do any physical activity. But the habits we form as children become our lifestyle as adults. In fact, as many as 80 percent of obese kids will grow up to be obese adults, according to the American Association of Pediatrics. Getting kids involved in physical activity that they enjoy will increase the likelihood they will grow up to be active adults.
It reduces the risk of a lot of diseases
Active kids at healthy weights are also less likely to be at-risk for diseases like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis.
It helps kids grow strong bones and muscles
Milk isn’t the only thing that helps grow strong bones. Activities like playing tag, crossing the monkey bars, swinging on swing-sets and jumping rope strengthens’ kids bones and builds their muscles. This will help support kids’ bodies during the years when they grow the most.
It increases kid’s self-esteem
Physical activity has mental benefits too. Researchers in several studies have consistently found that active kids have higher self-esteem than kids who are less active. They learn to feel good about what their bodies can do while they’re having fun, often with other kids. Also, like adults, children’s brains release endorphins during exercise, which makes them feel good.
It decreases feelings of depression and anxiety
In addition to promoting good feelings, physical activity decreases bad feelings like depression and anxiety too. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who participated in a lot of physical activity were less likely to show signs of depression and anxiety two years later.
It encourages brain development
Physical activity can significantly impact brain development. A study published in 2014 found that 8- and 9-year-old kids who participated in physical activity after school for a school year were more focused and had better concentration skills than kids who didn’t participate in physical activity during the same year. The kids who did physical activity also performed better at switching between tasks.
It helps kids pay better attention in school
Those extra cognitive skills can help kids perform better in school. Studies have found that kids who are more active have higher test scores in math and reading. Kids also get a chance to burn off extra energy, which makes them less likely to fidget or misbehave in class.
It creates good exercise habits that can last a lifetime
Again, the habits we form as children tend to stay with us into adulthood. The foods we try and enjoy as children tend to become our favorite foods as adults. Our routines with chores as children end up forming our routines with housework as adults. Physical activity is the same. A kid who is used to being physically active will likely have a Great Future as an active, healthy adult.
