A lot of parents wonder if their children really need to do extra training, when they’re already playing football at school, doing gymnastics, or maybe swimming in a team. Well, I always think it depends on a lot of factors, so there really is no cut and dry answer, however:
As long as your children are sleeping well and have good relaxation habits, they’ll be able to recover and reap the benefits of exercise.
They’ll also have fun in the process. But if you’re not convinced, let’s take a look at 7 of the main benefits of exercise for your children.
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A Stronger Heart for Life
Just like all the rest of their muscles, the heart gets stronger when doing exercise and therefore, works more efficiently. Developing good exercise habits now can help your child to ward off heart disease later on in life.
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Exercise Controls Weight
I’ve already spoken about my opinions on nutrition for children and how they don’t need to be put on any type of diet. When they’re fit and active and getting lots of exercise, it will naturally help to control and regulate their weight as they grow, which is beneficial for them on so many levels.
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Stronger Bones
Regular exercise helps to strengthen children’s bones. Why is that important? Well, stronger, healthier bones increase bone density, which can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
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Gives Them More Energy
Any parent who’s ever had to kick a sluggish teenager out of bed might wish that their kids had more energy and were less lethargic. Exercise will do this for them at the same time as reducing the likelihood of them getting tired during the day.
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Improves Their Self-Esteem
Exercise releases endorphins and helps children to feel happier. It can also work wonders for their self-esteem, especially if they like the way they look and feel. You probably already know that confidence is either developed or destroyed at the young adult age.
Instead of worrying about working out too much, think about how much confidence sport is giving your child to take into their adult life.
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Gives Them a Sense of Community
Exercising in a class or in a team can give children an excellent sense of community and a place where they feel accepted with like-minded people. They can make friends and unwind in a non-judgmental setting outside of school.
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Exercise Helps Prevent Cancer
Instilling healthy habits into children at a young age is the best way to help them continue these into their adult lives. Exercise has been proven to help prevent against certain types of cancers, including prostate, breast and colon cancer. So allowing your children to move around and get as much exercise as they can is only going to be good for them now and in the future.
