Importance of Fitness

Importance of Fitness

Kids need physical activity to build strength, coordination, and confidence — and to lay the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle. Through physical activities, kids learn about sportsmanship, setting goals, meeting challenges, teamwork, and the value of practice.

When deciding on a fitness routine or activity keep in mind the child's age, developmental level, natural abilities, and interests.

·      Kids 6 to 8 years old are sharpening basic physical skills like jumping, throwing, kicking, and catching

·      Kids 9 to 12 years old are refining, improving, and coordinating skills. 

·      Physical activity guidelines for school-age kids recommend that they get 1 hour or more of moderate to strong physical activity daily

Being physically fit doesn’t necessarily require a rigorous schedule of workout. The following health benefits have been linked to being physically fit:

·      Strong bone, muscle and joint development

·      Stress reduction

·      Increased energy levels and confidence

·      Prevention of Chronic diseases

·      Weight Control

Fitness Ideas in Calgary

·      Crowfoot YMCA- https://www.ymcacalgary.org/program-descriptions/locations/crowfoot/

·      InjaNation- https://www.injanation.com/

·      Parkour- https://www.breathepk.com/

·      YMCA Rocky Ridge- https://www.ymcacalgary.org/program-descriptions/locations/shane-homes-ymca-at-rocky-ridge/

·      Vivo- https://www.vivo.ca/

·      Nose Hill- https://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/NW-parks/Nose-Hill-Park.aspx

Fitness Ideas for Home

Here are some at home ideas to help make physical activity part of the daily routine.

·      Play (tag, riding bikes around the neighbourhood, and building snowmen)

·      Household chores (Sweeping, vacuuming, shoveling snow)

·      Games and sports equipment. (balls, hula-hoops, and jump ropes can keep kids busy for hours)

·      Local playgrounds and athletic fields or after dinner walks