Children’s Fitness: Helping Your Child Stay Active
These days it's probably more common to find a remote, keyboard or video game controller in the hands of a child at play than a ball, glove or earthworm. And because physical activity is so important during the formative years of children's lives, it's crucial to ensure they're getting the exercise they need. Use the Children's Fitness Web Guide to get insight into childhood exercise and tips for getting kids off the couch and into the yard.
Expand All Guide SectionsExercises for Kids
The amount of exercise a child requires is largely dependent upon age, and balance must be struck, because just as too little exercise can be unhealthy for a child, so can too much. Use the following sites for an overview of exercises for kids, and get advice on the optimum amount of exercise for your child and tips for safe exercise practices.
Insights for Exercises for Kids
- If you're wondering whether your state has any physical fitness programs, check with your Department of Health. USA.gov has a complete list of state links to get you started.
- The findingDulcinea Fitness Web Guide has additional fitness Web sites, with sections that focus on nutrition and exercise activities such as strength training and yoga.
- If your child has any physical limitations, such as asthma or other disabilities, be sure to check with your child’s doctor to find the type and amount of exercise that would be suitable for him or her.
Top Sites for Exercises for Kids
For an introduction to exercises for kids …
American Heart Association
makes a scientific case for the importance of exercise for children. Look for tips for motivating children and find links to additional AHA sources on exercise and child health.
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
provides a 36-page PDF guide for kids ages 6–17 that explains the basics of physical fitness. The workout program places emphasis on flexibility, aerobic activity and muscular strength.
For age-appropriate exercises for kids …
KidsHealth
has a series of articles about fitness and children, starting with ages 2 and 3. Look for other articles such as “Fitness and Your 4- to 5-Year-Old,” “Fitness and Your 6- to 12-Year-Old” and “Fitness and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old.”
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
presents "Kids in Action: Fitness for Children," a guide full of exercise suggestions for children from birth to age 5.
For exercise information written for kids …
KidsHealth
has an article for children explaining why fitness is cool. Look for a comparable article for teens.
For exercise safety and injury prevention …
KidsHealth
offers advice to parents for preventing injuries and taking sports safety precautions. Look for another article on compulsive exercise that describes what it is, why it’s bad, the warning signs and how to help.
Keepkidshealthy.com
is a site run by a Dallas pediatrician. Read an article explaining the importance of warming up before exercise to protect children from injury. Also take a quiz to find out if your child is exercising enough.
Fun Fitness for Kids
Chances are you'll have better luck getting your child moving if there's an element of fun to the ... read more »
Nutrition for Kids
Physical fitness is about more than just exercise—it’s about good nutrition. In today's ... read more »
Fitness for Children With Special Needs
Children with disabilities face unique challenges, but in many instances they can still participate ... read more »
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