The times have changed. When we were young, we used to go to the playground to play games, run around with our friends, have a lot of fun, and even read books. You will find many a child these days, rarely playing games and enjoying outdoor activities.
They are paying the consequence of this. Lack of outdoor physical activity, movement, and a sedentary lifestyle is changing behavior. It is making them obese, which is causing many health issues. Not reading books is harming their ability to focus and concentrate, which is damaging academic performance.
Most kids will now only play computer or mobile games. They will watch TV or play the games for hours, which not just harms the eyes, but in so many other ways.
When children are active, here are some of the benefits they get –
- Healthy weight
- Strong bones and muscles
- Lower risk of type 2 diabetes later in life
- Better sleep
The best idea is to get a home gym for kids by fitnesskid. They will then be able to get the workout they need at home. Plus, you will also be able to supervise, so you will know exactly what they are doing. They will always be safe in a home gym. You can also join. Make sure that the gym sessions are fun, which will ensure that the kids will stay interested.
How to Help Kids Focus?
This is a common problem many parents face throughout the world. Does physical activity help the kids focus? The latest research seems to say so. The researchers are saying that an inactive lifestyle not only affects the health of the children, but also deteriorates their ability to concentrate on studies, which naturally, has far-reaching consequences.
To help them focusing better, one strategy could be exercise. It will also help them cut through distractions. They will get better at studies. They will be able to do the school assignment easily.
Many experts believe that children should do moderate to rigorous exercises for a minimum of an hour a day. That’s because, this not only improves their cardiovascular functioning, but also improves overall health, and helps them concentrate better. Exercise improves brain growth, which will help them focus. The kids may even find it easier to learn, pick up new skills.
Benefits of Engaging in Different Types of Activities
There is a deep connection between fitness & brain function. We know that exercise mends mood. When the kid’s exercise, it will give a boost to their cardiovascular health, which means, new blood vessels will grow and blood circulation to their brain will improve.
Here are some advantages of aerobics
- Improves BDNF or the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, which is essential for the brain’s cell growth.
- Stimulates neurogenesis or new neurons.
- Allows the brain to improve brain plasticity, which means, the brain can establish new connections.
Hippocampus is a vital part of the adult and child brain. Studies have revealed that the size of the hippocampus grows when a child exercises. This isn’t just about brain volume. It has also been linked with memory as well as the ability to learn new things, complete an assignment better.
Result of research studies
- In a study, researchers tried to find how fitness affected oxygen supply to the brain of teenagers. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was done to scan their brains. They were told to carry out a specific learning task. It was observed that the hippocampal volume was bigger in the teens who were physically active. They were also able to perform the learning task better than the others.
- In a second study, 9 and 10-year-old kids were asked to do one treadmill test so that the researchers could find out how physically fit they were. They were told to memorize a few places on the map. The kids all learned quite well initially, despite their physical fitness, but when asked to remember these places the next day, only those who were extremely fit physically, could remember them.
How Do You Keep Kids Active?
Physical activities are very important for a child. You can follow this strategy to improve health –
Before School – Encourage the child to walk or ride the bike to school. A session of yoga or morning stretches will also do a world of good.
During School – Does your son or daughter have school break? If yes, then he/she must play an active game during the recess. Encourage the child to use equipment at the playground. Climbing is particularly good because it will not only improve the muscles, but also boost blood flow to the brain.
After School – Like going to school, your son or daughter should also walk or bike back home. Encourage him or her to bike to the friend’s place, instead of going in a car, of course, if the home is at a logical distance. After returning, send the child to an after-school program, such as karate or swimming. There are sure to be a few close to your place. A team sport like basketball or soccer will also help immensely.
Evening – Watching television together? Why not ask the child to turn the commercial breaks into fitness sessions? Active games, such as kickball is good. Dancing is also an awesome exercise. Finally, before going to bed, go on a walk. You can do this after or before dinner.
Home Gym for Kids
These days the children are very busy. They have homework, projects to do, and an active social life. There may not be always time to join a health club or play an active sport with their friends regularly. Even if the children want to stay active and have the time for this, the parents are often uncomfortable having them ride a bike to school or roam around in the neighborhood. Not all places are safe. Also, an unsupervised kid in the gym can be dangerous. There can be serious injuries.
So, do they have limited opportunities for staying active? Not anymore.
Kids who are physically active will stay focused, motivated, and in turn will be more successful. The result will show in improved health and better performance at school. Improved health and performance will also build self-confidence. They will reap the benefits throughout their lives. A kid’s gym for home can be a very good Christmas gift.