Regular physical activity can do more for kids than just keep them in shape. It may also benefit their academic performance. Learn why that is and how much exercise kids really need.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
As challenging as it can be to fit regular exercise into your daily routine if you’re a busy parent, it can be even harder to get our kids moving. Most kids spend too more time parked in front of the computer or video games instead of playing outdoors.
This lack of exercise is contributing to the high rate of obesity among kids, but more surprisingly, it may also be affecting their brains according to research.
In one study, nine and 10 year olds were asked to memorize names and locations on a map. The kids who were the most fit aerobically had better recall than those who were the least fit.
Other research, using MRI scans of children’s brains, has found that fit kids have a larger hippocampus, the area responsible for learning and memory, and a bigger brain may translate into better academic performance. Kids who are physically active score higher on standardized tests and get better grades than those who are couch potatoes.
To stay healthy, young people need at least an hour a day of physical activity. Getting that amount is easier than it may sound.
For starters, kids don’t have to get the full hour of exercise all at once. They can do it in shorter bursts that add up to 60 minutes. Plenty of different activities count, like walking to school, riding a bike, or chasing a soccer ball.
In addition to aerobic exercises like these, it’s important to incorporate muscle-strengthening activities such as gymnastics or climbing on playground equipment. Kids also need to do things like jumping rope that build bone.
Ideally, activities for muscles and bones should be included at least 3 days a week as part of the 60 minutes total.
Kids don’t have to be athletic or play team sports to get the exercise they need. it may take some help from you, but every child can find activities they enjoy that get them moving.
That same advice goes for parents. By being active, you’re setting a good example. You’re staying in shape and keeping your brain sharp so that you can keep up with your kids.