When parents think of exercise, they might just picture aerobics classes, treadmills or boring old dumbbells. Watch a child for a day, and you might realize that exercise can come from a wide variety of locations, situations and times of day.

Recess, waiting in line at stores, playing tag and waiting for the bus are just some of the places kids squeeze in exercise throughout their day without even realizing it. A 10-minute game of tag at the bus stop can give children a mini workout before having to concentrate at school all day.
Kids who are physically fit benefit in so many ways. They sleep better, they typically eat more healthfully and have a more positive outlook on life. Stress and challenges at school and home are easier to handle, tackle and solve.
Now that more and more children are showing signs of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, it is even more apparent that physical fitness and good health need to be a regular component of every child’s life.
Having strong muscles and bones doesn’t just come from one type of exercise. It takes a variety of activities that improve endurance, strength and flexibility to give children the opportunity to be their best physical self.
Endurance is improved by doing an aerobic activity that raises the heart rate for longer periods of time. When kids are exercising aerobically, they breathe harder and strengthen the heart and lungs. Running, playing tag, hiking, biking, swimming and playing basketball or football are just a few examples of activities that improve endurance.
Activities that improve strength make muscles and bones stronger. Sit-ups, push-ups, crossing monkey bars, climbing trees or even building snowmen all strengthen muscles. As you can see, weights don’t always have to be used to improve strength. Helping parents carry in groceries, household chores and yard work also help kids become stronger.
Flexibility is the third part of a well-rounded fitness program. Yoga, stretching, balance exercises and gymnastics all make the muscles and joints more flexible. Children do flexibility exercises all day without even knowing it. The funny shapes they take while waiting in lines or laying on the floor all stretch muscles.
The goal is to let yourself creatively exercise, making sure you include these three components somewhere in your routine and playtime each day. Use small increments of downtime to stretch or do strength exercises.
Watch yourself on a playground, and you’ll see that exercise doesn’t have to be boring or typical. Fitness time can come in all shapes and forms, and the main point is to make sure you get enough of it each day and have fun doing whatever it is they’re doing. The benefits for your physical and emotional health will be endless.
(Source: citizen-times.com)