Exercises for Kids

Anything that gets kids up and moving is good for them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes regular physical activity can help children improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis, along with improving the symptoms of anxiety and depression. According to CDC guidelines, kids between the ages of 6 and 17 should be getting at least an hour of heart-pumping, aerobic exercise every day, in addition to an hour of bone-strengthening and muscle-strengthening exercises three times a week.

So, how do you find exercises for kids to enjoy? That’s the real trick. We turned to Jacquelyn Oldham, the Director of Curriculum and Development for The Little Gym, which has 300 locations across the country and focuses on kids between the ages of 4 months and 12 years. Oldham recommended exercises for kids to do at home that get that heart rate up, strengthen little bodies and bones, and — most importantly — are fun to do. After all, if kids see exercise as something they love, as opposed to a chore, they’re more likely to actually do it.

Running

It may seem simple, but chasing each other around is one of the best exercises kids can do. “Running is particularly healthy for kids since it helps them build strong bones while strengthening their muscles,” Oldham says. “Not to mention, it’s fun to run. Coupled with a healthy diet, it helps children maintain a healthy weight. Developing a love of running and seeing it as fun is something children can carry into adulthood, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.” Playing tag, organizing timed relays, or games like Mother May I? or What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? will get your kids up and racing.

Squats

Oldham notes that squats help kids build endurance, strength, and even self-confidence. She likes to play a game called Hot Seat Squats. “Place a stool or ottoman behind them while they squat, let their bum — or biscuits — graze the seat of it, then quickly stand. We call these Hot Seat Squats because you don’t want your biscuits to get burned! You simply toast them. Most kids find them super fun because almost all kids are capable of successfully executing this exercise.”

Skipping

Not only does skipping increase heart rate, work out the total body, and improve core strength, it’s also an unexpected workout for little minds as well. “Skipping is a fantastic brain booster!” Oldham says. “It engages both the left and right brain, leading to improved functioning, while improving balance and coordination.”

Crab Walk

You know how to do these: Have your kids sit with their feet in front and hands behind, then lift their hips off the ground so they’re walking like a crab. It’s funny and silly, while also developing core and arm strength. Once your kids have mastered the basic move, kick it up a notch: “Try balancing different small items on their bellies while moving around,” she says. “At The Little Gym, we balance bean bags and shakers. At home, you could try toilet paper rolls, snack-size bags of pretzels, or even your favorite stuffed animal!”

Bear Crawl

If they don’t like walking like a crab, flip it over and have them walk like a bear — have them crawl on their hands and feet, with their knees not touching the ground. “The bear walk is what we call a ‘whole body’ skill because it works the entire body at once,” Oldham says. “It starts with strengthening the core to weight-bearing, which strengthens the arms ands legs. It also enhances the child’s spacial awareness. It’s a full brain and body exercise.” Bear walk races are always popular, Oldham says, but parents can also sneak these in whenever they can. “Rather than walking to the bathroom for bathtime, why not bear crawl?” she says.

Supermans

Have your kid lay on their bellies, then lift their arms and feet off the ground, a la Superman flying through the air. It’s a good movement — if it’s done correctly, Oldham warns. “Supermans improve the back, neck, glutes, and hamstrings, and they’re also a great got improving the vestibular system,” she says. “But they can also put a lot of strain on the areas if not performed correctly.”

Frankenstein Walk/Cross-Lateral Movement

Cross-lateral movements involve crossing one side of the body over to the other, such as knee/elbow exercises where the left elbow touches the right knee, and so on. “Cross-lateral movements improve brain function, focus, and coordination,” she says. The “Frankenstein Walk” asks kids to put their hands straight out like Frankenstein’s monster (or a zombie), then bring one leg out straight so it’s almost parallel with the ground. The object is to touch the toe with the opposite hand. Growling like a monster is optional.

Stretching and Yoga

There are many advantages to stretching, including reducing the risk of injury, increasing range of motion, and keeping muscles flexible and strong. But most importantly, Oldham says, stretching has been proven to reduce stress. “At The Little Gym, we perform what we call a ‘Beautiful Butterfly’ with the kids to stretch the body while centering their focus,” she says. “Simply sit on the floor, bring the soles of your feet together in front of you, making the shape of your legs into butterfly wings. Then you breathe in as you lift your arms over your head, and as you release the arms back down, you breathe out.” It’s a soothing way to begin or end a day.

Nutrition

At Clo-Clo Vegan Foods, we understand the importance of keeping your child healthy and happy. To continue your wellness efforts, we urge you to try any of our Clo-Clo Vegan Frozen Pizzas. It’s kid-approved and healthy! Visit a SPROUTS store near you to purchase.

Source: Good House Keeping