There is a plentiful amount of research indicating that kids who develop healthy habits towards exercise at an early age, will be more likely to enjoy fitness throughout their lifetime. As such, promoting an encouraging environment towards exercise during the early years of childhood is essential for Aussie families. 
How often should my kids exercise? Although some kids have endless energy to burn, others require extra inspiration to get up and moving. With the continuous development of technology and the growing popularity of online games such as Fortnite, managing your child’s screen time and sedentary levels is increasingly important. Recommended activity levels for children depend on their age, with health guidelines suggesting the following:
| Infants | Encouraged to be active intermittently, through crawling, reaching, pushing and pulling. |
| Toddlers | Toddlers who can walk unassisted should be physically active for at least 3 hours per day. |
| Aged 5-18 | Encouraged to enjoy at least 1 hour of physical activity (ranging from moderate to vigorous exercise.) |
Why is exercise important for kids?
It’s well-known that all humans require exercise to stay healthy and happy. This is true for both adults and kids of all ages! Moving your body through physical activity provides distinct health benefits for little bodies and minds, such as:
- Developing and improving cardiovascular fitness,
- Building muscle and bone strength,
- Regulating and reducing body fat,
- Balancing moods,
- Increasing concentration,
- Fostering happiness and mental wellbeing,
- Sustaining energy levels,
- Improving personal confidence.
Integrating exercise into playtime An easy way to encourage your kids to exercise from an early age is to build movement and outdoor activities into their regular playtime! Disguising and integrating exercise into your child’s daily routine will form lifelong healthy habits. Here are five simple ways that you can encourage your kids to get up and keep moving:
- Enjoy the outdoors
Although this may require a small investment, providing your kids with a choice of versatile outdoor equipment can promote a fun and healthy form of play. Popular and adaptable outdoor equipment pieces include:
- Backyard trampoline
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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