Fitness for Preschoolers
Apr
27
2010
Fitness for Preschoolers
By Catherine Holecko, About.com Guide
Little kids don’t need any extra encouragement to move their busy bodies, do they? It seems that way, yet many young children are too sedentary. In the late 1970s, about 5% of children between 2 and 5 years old were overweight. Recently, that figure has climbed to nearly 14%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Just like you do with older kids, you may need to encourage preschoolers to get enough physical play. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education suggests the following fitness guidelines for young children.
Great article on physical activity for preschoolers. Parents need to create opportunity for their kids to get more exercise.
Parents can help by getting together for a playgroup with other kids at a park or a backyeard of member’s house. Kids will natuarally play with each other and engage in physical activity. Parents can also play and exercise with their kids such as going outside to play kickball or going on a nature walk.
Parents can also help by having plenty of exercise type toys readily available for kids such as bikes, jump ropes, frisbees, badmiton sets etc.
Sign preschoolers up for an age appropriate class through the YMCA or city park and recreation department. Things like creative movement, tumbling class or dance class are some good options. Preschoolers might be ready for group sports if they are not competitive such as those found through the YMCA where the philosophy is “everybody plays, everybody wins.” Sports like soccer, t-ball, basketball and swimming lesson are appropriate for many preschoolers. Parents will need to determine when each child is ready.
Renee, author of
http://www.thesmarterpreschooler.com
Gold Winner – Mom’s Choice Award
Bronze Winner – Living Well Award