Young children need at least an hour of physical exercise daily , which can be a problem at times when it is difficult to go outside. But the truth is that it is so important to acquire daily physical dynamics for the present and future of children’s health, that it is worth taking measures and tricks to be able to take this exercise home when necessary.
Screens constitute an added challenge in these times, since they are an important and attractive leisure resource for the little ones (and for the elderly too) that have little or nothing to do with exercise, so they sharpen our ingenuity at the time Creating dynamics will be essential to obtain good results, without ruling out the use of technological resources for some simple sports practices and activities that do not require too much space. Exercise, in addition, is also vital for emotional health, so it should not be considered only as physical but also mental conditioning.
We must bear in mind that not only theoretical learning can be adorned and considered in more fun ways, but also children’s exercise can be extremely varied, playful and enjoyable, and here are some examples to help and encourage children to be active also at home .
Plans to exercise at home with the little ones
- Prepare fun obstacle courses
Finding activities that help you move your legs is important, since doing so can help build muscles, prevent back problems or keep your heart healthy, which can be much better if it is also combined with a healthy diet. And to achieve this, a good activity for indoors can be the obstacle course . Look for toys or accessories around the house, such as scarves, ropes, balls, bowling … as this type of activity will be an excellent way to burn off some energy while developing creativity, agility or ingenuity. The obstacle courses can be completed as part of a team challenge or done individually, and it is always good that you also involve the little ones in the design of the circuit, although the parents are always the ones who finally guide the steps to follow.
These types of traditional games are not only healthy, but also serve to reduce stress levels, as well as to improve the level of concentration and commitment to something of the little ones. Find the most appropriate space (a patio if you have one, a playroom, a corridor …) and gradually and safely accommodate all obstacles. Tunnels work well, as do little jumping objects!
- Put balls and hula-hoops in motion!
Sometimes the classic games are the most effective. Cheap, portable and easy to use, hula-hoops or balls (foam rubber better for indoor spaces) offer a fun way to exercise without us really noticing. Start by having the children spin the hoop, if you have one, around their waist for as long as possible without dropping it. This will take a lot of practice and perseverance, and it is also a very effective way to build strength and core focus . The key is to make sure the hoop is the right size for the child in question. Other fun ways to exercise with a hula-hoop include using it as a jump ring (perhaps as part of the obstacle course mentioned above), or using various layouts on the ground as a game of hopscotch.
With a ball or ball, to be able to be soft, the possibilities of exercise at home are also very numerous : basketball classes, soccer days, games of sitting the ball, Pilates classes with the family …
- Take the time to dance
Many times we forget that activities like dancing are also excellent and healthy exercises for the whole family. In fact, dancing can burn up to 250 calories and keeps our entire body going like clockwork, so it’s always a great option to do at home and requires little space. Dancing also helps to improve the balance and musicality of our body, something essential for children of growing age.
Nowadays there is a wide range of music that children can dance to, and if you are looking for songs that everyone identifies you can enjoy the same activity without problems. Dancing also offers children (and adults) a very beautiful way to express themselves and helps reduce anxiety. Its benefits are therefore powerful!
Make exercise always like a game
Exercise doesn’t have to mean hours and hours of time in a gym or reduced to the two hours a week that kids get physical education at their school. There are many ways to be physically active and, for children in particular, games can be a great way to show that exercise can be incredibly fun and entertaining , as can toys or game consoles. That parents are also involved in these activities, for example, organizing dance competitions or basket shots, can make a difference, since children will associate that hour of gymnastics with spending a happy and well-entertaining time in the company of their parents.
Let’s all move!
