The Amazing Benefits of Sports For Children
From a very young age, parents should instill the habit of regularly practicing physical activities in their children. The list of sports benefits for children is almost endless; starting with the visible improvement in their learning process and school performance.
Mental benefits
When we talk about the benefits of physical activities in general, we usually think about physical perks. But it’s not just a child’s body that reaps benefits from exercise. Their minds are equally or even more strengthened than their muscles.
Participating in sports competitions makes it easier for children to socially integrate. They share experiences with other children of the same age and have similar interests; t hey gain independence and skills in handling circumstantial situations.
All of this happens in a context where children must follow certain rules. Therefore, this is something that will help them to develop entirely in every aspect of life in a community, way beyond sports.
Young athletes, with the right support from trainers and family, can overcome shyness or low self-esteem. Additionally, they increase their levels of attention and concentration, as well as their memory.
A synonym for good health
Along with a balanced diet, which is something that parents should also instill in their children from a young age, regular physical activities provide a healthy physical condition.
As an example, two of the sports benefits for children are the improvement of their respiratory capacity and the activation of their growth hormones.
The learning process works in two ways: movement and senses. That’s why, from a very young age, making them move is vital to promote the right development for their motor skills.
Physical benefits of sports for children
For many adults, the reason they work out regularly is to boost their physical capacities, gain muscle and improve their strength and endurance.
It’s also about strengthening their organs, starting mainly with their heart. With children, there’s no difference, beyond the considerations that parents must keep in mind and according to every age group.
An ally in the battle against excess weight
The WHO considers obesity to be a worldwide problem. But, it’s even more of a concern in countries with high levels of development and a steady economy.
The number of children and teenagers that are overweight is startling. According to data from this organization, more than 42 million children live with this dangerous condition. From this total, 83 percent were born in first world countries; the most affected demographic is children between 5 and 17 years of age.
This situation has become one of the main engines to encourage sports for children. Sadly, this is a task that’s usually left for teachers and schools.
This is a job that must start at home, although it’s necessary to receive support from outside influences, such as mass media.
Sports according to each age
There are sports that children usually perform naturally or intuitively when they learn to walk. Kicking a ball or swimming classes are classic examples. But, as they grow, both physically and mentally, their abilities make it easier for them to get started in more complicated disciplines.
Pediatricians recommend that from the first year of their life, children must be active for at least three hours a day. Among the suitable activities for kids aged five years or younger, are riding a bike, running, jumping and water games.
From ages six years and older, children should complete 60-minute routines with light exercises, two or three times a week. So, with some exceptions such as archery (ages 12 and older), children can practice almost any sport.
The important point is that children should have fun and enjoy exercise. Working out, especially during childhood, must never be seen as an obligation.
