Some may be asking, “how could resistance training, or exercise in general, improve my child’s grades?”
Well, let’s talk about that! Read on as we dig into some of the evidence and the practical takeaways as to why you should incorporate physical activity in your son or daughter’s daily routine.
First, let’s explore some of the general benefits of regular physical activity:
Improved sleep
Reduction in perceived depression
Reduced anxiety
Better overall endurance
Stress relief
Elevated mood
Increased energy and stamina
Reduced fatigue
Increased mental alertness
Weight reduction
Reduced cholesterol
Improved cardiovascular health
Just to name a few…
According to a review of 114 studies, the average youth that participates in regular exercise will have lower levels of depression, anxiety, and overall psychological distress, as well as higher levels of positive self-image, life satisfaction, and healthy physiological factors.
Source: Role of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in the Mental Health of Preschoolers, Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30993594/
Exercise and physical activity are linked to better-thinking skills. A meta-analysis study in children ages 7 to 12 found that regular exercise was linked to a measurable improvement in executive function; that is, the set of skills to use for learning, solving problems, and self-control. Source: The United States National Library of Medicine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27768674/
Tips to establish healthy and safe exercise habits with your kids
Stay Safe: Seek activities with a qualified exercise program or with a certified coach that has experience training kids. Working with youth can vary greatly from working with adults, not only from a physiological standpoint, but also from a motivation, behavioral, and psychological perspective. Whether you’re seeking sports specific or general training, working with a professional who is experienced in training youth can be a huge benefit.
Lead by example: Are you ready for a hard truth? You can’t expect your children to have a healthy lifestyle and exercise if you don’t do it yourself! Get outside with your kids, take them to the gym when they’re old enough, and make fun games that are physically active. Go for walks, play pick up sports in the yard, or have dance-offs! There are so many ways to incorporate more activity in your daily routine and the more you engage, the more it will be ingrained in them for life!
Find what they enjoy most: Ask your child what activities they enjoy or are interested in trying! YouTube has a wealth of resources for a variety of beginner classes! Want to take it a step further? Do it with them!
Don’t stress about optimal: Just get them moving and having a good time! It doesn’t need to be complex or running from swim meet, to gymnastics, to soccer (although it’s fine if that’s your jam). But find the best way for YOU and YOUR family! Don’t stress it… have fun, and keep building on it!
In the end, getting your kids moving will not only improve their health and well-being, it will teach them good habits FOR LIFE, that they can bring into adulthood, and to their own family someday! It will also reduce the risk of depression and other mental illnesses, improve their grades and cognitive function within their school and other sports.
And it may get YOU moving a little bit more as well! 🙂
Thanks, so much for reading if you have any questions please reach out:
Hunterc@successfitnessmn.com