Exercise for toddlers, identify the types and benefits for health

Toddler age is the most important period to start instilling a healthy lifestyle. One way is to get used to exercise for your toddler in order to keep him active. Active habits that are practiced from an early age can bring a myriad of health benefits throughout his life. So, when should toddlers start to actively exercise, and what types of activities can children do at this age? Check out the complete guide in this article.

Why do children need sports from an early age?

Getting children to be active in sports from an early age is very important for their health now and in the future. Physical activity will optimize the growth of children's bones and muscles, improve fitness and immunity, hone motor skills, to prevent children from the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and even cancer.

Apart from maintaining physical health, exercise can also maintain the mental and psychological health of children. When children can participate well in sports, children will learn to control their emotions and feel satisfied with what can be achieved by themselves. So do not be surprised if exercise for toddlers can help increase self-confidence as well as fortify themselves from the risk of stress and depression.

The Women's Sport Foundation also adds that girls who have been active in sports from a young age tend to perform well academically while in school, because they have been trained to concentrate.

Getting used to exercise for toddlers as early as possible will also help hone his skills to socialize with other people. Sport also helps him develop a positive character and personality, such as a sense of respect for others, tolerance, respect and obeying rules, and being fair to each other. In the end, sports will shape children into someone who is tough, reliable, strong, and someone who is smart and responsive.

Therefore, let your child participate in sports. Let your little one feel the joy of playing with friends and exploring their abilities. Let him develop into a stronger individual not only physically, but also mentally and psychologically.

Rules for starting sports for toddlers

The body of a tiny baby is certainly not ready to be invited to play ball or play basketball on the court. The reason is, sports like this require qualified motor skills for children to run, duck, throw and catch the ball, to maneuvers that combine hand and foot movements, such as running while jumping to throw the ball. These motor skills are generally only shown in children aged five years and over.

Therefore, according to the U.S. Department of Health, the principles of exercise for toddlers are not like adolescents or adults. Sports for toddlers are more emphasized on having fun activities, getting to know new people around them, and learning new things.

This type of exercise is suitable for toddlers

What needs to be taught to children at the age of five is all the basic movements to support their motor skills so that they are more accustomed to exercising in the future. Here's an exercise guide for toddlers, according to their age:

0-12 months:

In the first 6 months, provide stimulation to hold objects and grasp them. Also teach the movement of looking to the right, left, up, and down; move the arms and legs more frequently; and do the pushing with the feet.

At the second 6 months, start giving stimulating movements to move moving on all fours, encourage the child to move objects from the right and left hands, invite the children to play with the ball

1-3 years old

At this early age, give your child plenty of opportunities to explore new places by taking walks. You can slip in some physical activity from time to time, such as jumping around, climbing (in a safe place), and running a short distance. The goal is to train heart and lung fitness, as well as increase muscle strength and burn calories.

In addition, invite children to dance to the rhythm of music or play snake-ladder or train-train which can stimulate their locomotor ability, namely the ability to move all limbs to move places.

Do this physical activity regularly, at least 30 minutes a day.

3-5 years old

At this age, the child is very steady on walking and running. Therefore, you can provide a wider variety of activities. For example, take the child on a bicycle, catch something running, swimming, and so on.

At this age, while introducing the child to various types of sports and starting to introduce the movements that have not been mastered little by little. Do this structured physical activity regularly, in one day for at least 60 minutes.

What must be remembered before inviting children to exercise

Do not force children to exercise. if the child is forced, he will quickly feel frustrated and do not want to do it again.
Make the atmosphere of exercising fun so that children don't give up and want to learn other physical activities.
Children learn by following what they see. Therefore, parents must set an example in terms of being active and exercising diligently, so that children follow what their parents do.