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, ... read more »
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 in physical activities. Use the sites below to find fitness information for children with special needs, exercises, suggestions on adapting activities for your child with special needs and emotional support.
Insights for Fitness for Children With Special Needs
- Check with a physician before starting any exercise routine with your child to be sure you're aware of any risks your child faces and to get familiar with proper safety precautions.
- Having a hard time finding the information you need about exercise for someone with a physical disability? Try using the phrase "adaptive physical fitness" in your favorite search engine.
- A 2005 documentary entitled "Murderball" introduced an international sport described as wheelchair rugby. The athletes push the boundaries of athletic competition, and the trailer alone inspires.
Top Sites for Fitness for Children With Special Needs
Exercises and activities for kids with disabilities …
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
presents "BAM! Body and Mind," a site that encourages kids to be more active. Look for advice about staying active when there’s a disability involved, and find stories about athletic achievement. Another page discusses exercising when kids have asthma.
The Alliance for Technology Access
describes a variety of activities and settings that can be adapted for children of all physical ability levels, including dance and movement, playgrounds and bicycles.
For activity programs …
Special Olympics
offers sports and athletic information for people with intellectual disabilities. Read about their Young Athletes program, designed to help get children as young as two years old be physically active. Use the Young Athletes Activity Guide to find activities, complete with illustrations, demonstration videos and tips.
For support resources …
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability
(NCPAD) discusses the benefits of physical activity for children with disabilities, as well as the fears and obstacles that come with trying to be physically active.
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