Benefits of Physical Activity for Children
Physical activity is important for people of all ages, but it’s especially important for growing children. Doctors recommend that children do 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per day, but most don’t achieve that. Getting active contributes to positive outcomes in mental and physical health. Here are a few benefits of physical activity for children.
Builds Strength
Eating a healthy nutrient-filled diet can go a long way in helping children grow, but it only goes so far. Consistent physical activity helps children develop strong muscles and bones. This strength will keep building as they increase the intensity of their exercises. Once your child gets moving, the momentum will keep them going.
Improves Mental Health
Exercise releases feel-good chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins keep working long after an exercise session to provide energy and positivity. This reduces the chance of children developing anxiety and depression and helps relieve symptoms that are already present. Working out can also improve your child’s self-esteem and body image, even if it’s simply the satisfaction of knowing that they’re doing what they can for their health.
Helps Control Weight
While children shouldn’t feel pressured to be thin, there are benefits to maintaining a healthy weight. What that means is different for every body. Consistent exercise and nutrition can help your child reach and maintain a weight that makes sense for them. As with anything in life, there is such a thing as overdoing it. If your child seems obsessed with their appearance or too into working out, talk about it, and see if they would benefit from counseling.
Reduces Risk of Disease
Forming healthy habits early on generally leads to better health outcomes later in life. Children who eat healthy and exercise consistently tend to carry those habits into adulthood. This results in improved cardiovascular and respiratory health, which reduces the risk of heart disease. Active children also have a reduced risk of developing diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes as adults. There are many reasons to be active, and these long-term impacts are especially important.
Regular exercise benefits children in many aspects of their physical and mental health, which is why we encourage our students to be active. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a Titusville private school, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop to their full potential. Students foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and are equipped for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.