While most adults’ reason for exercising is to keep fit or lose weight, it is a different case for kids.
Research from the University of Georgia gives indisputable evidence that kids should exercise majorly to improve their cardiorespiratory endurance and not only gain the ideal weight- though it is essential.
Cardiorespiratory endurance is the measure of the body’s strength to cope in extended hours of exercise.
From the study, the author suggested that it is possible for kids to be overweight and yet, be cardiorespiratory endurance fit. That is to say, that they can exercise for 60 minutes of vigorous activity.
This kind of exercise equips children with physical skills and knowledge, making them active most of their time. Needless to say, an active person is likely to be quite productive.
To add, the research from the Mary Finland college also suggests that the kids can be slightly overweight and yet relatively active.
The study, which was led by Sami Yli-Piipari, tracked 450 children aged between 10 to 12 years. The kids were subjected to a compulsory PE for 90 minutes once a week.
On their right hip, each kid had an accelerometer to track their physical exercise progress. The children’s activity levels, ability to perform basic mathematics, and motivation to attend the PE were taken note of.
And guess what? The study showed that the muscle strength of the kid did not influence the activity levels. That includes the motivation to attend PE.
Also, students who didn’t engage in any physical activity after school were less active than kids who exercised after the school PE.
What’s the conclusion from the study?
The study concluded that kids with higher cardiorespiratory endurance had the highest physical engagement levels.
Actually, according to the lead of the research, Sami Yli-Piipari, physical education is not all about the motivation or skills to stay active, but the level of intensity to remain engaged for extended periods.
The point? Besides having your kid exercise for longer hours, modeling healthy behavior will improve their abilities and keep them active.
Beyond the physical activities, Sami suggested other tips the parents can deploy to keep their children engaged and active.
The tips include;
- Let the children find their way out.
Encouraging children to think and devise solutions on their own can be empowering. For physical and mental development, find out more about Brazilian jiu jitsu. If they mess up, you can correct them later. But let them think first!
- Variety models. Do not have a specific physical activity for the kid. Otherwise, they will get bored in no time. Recommendable, have several activities that can leave their hearts pumping faster and their minds in races.
- Be the model. Children learn most from the environment. Hence, do the do you need the kids to do. Do not only tell them how physical activity is essential to them but also show them how important it is to you.
