Kids and exercise

When most adults think about exercise, they imagine working out in the gym on a treadmill or lifting weights. But for children, exercise means playing and being physically active. Kids exercise when they have gym class at school, soccer practice, or dance class. They're also exercising when they're at recess, riding bikes, or playing tag.

Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. A child who is active will:

• have stronger muscles and bones
• have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat
• be less likely to become overweight
• decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• possibly lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• have a better outlook on life
• sleep better

Things kids can do by themselves:

• Hit a tennis ball against a wall.
• Practice hopscotch.
• See how long you can hop on one foot.
• Do jumping jacks.
• Invent some dance moves.
• Do sprints (short running races) and time yourself to see how fast you go.
• Use a pedometer to count the number of steps between your favorite places, like your house and the park.

Things kids can do together:

• Have a handstand contest.
• Invent dances to your favorite songs.
• Jump rope together.
• Ride bikes and don't forget your helmets!
• Practice pitching and hitting a baseball.
• Have a skateboarding contest.
• Play tag.
• Play outdoor hide-and-seek.
• Dance to your favorite music.