Getting a child involved in physical activity at a young age is crucial in helping them develop a healthy relationship with their bodies and physical activity. According to experts, children ages seven to 17 should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Unfortunately, three quarters of children between the ages of five and 10 get less than the recommended amount of exercise per day.
That lack of activity, combined with a diet of high sugar, high starch, and high fat foods is creating a serious health problem among today’s youth. So bad, in fact, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than one third of all children in the United States are overweight.
Thus, physical activity should be a regular part of your child’s day-to-day life. While implementing regimented exercise is always an option, children don’t respond well to imposed exercise programs. Besides, let kids be kids. It’s a time in their lives when they’re meant to find activities that inspire them, and, in turn, these activities become a part of their daily life. And that’s what a good picture of physical and mental health is.
One of the best activities to involve your child in at an early age is gymnastic lessons. Unlike other sports, gymnastic lessons is less cardio-oriented and largely strength-training intensive, in addition to relying a great deal of flexibility. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, gymnastics clubs are an excellent ways for children to build lean muscle and fulfill their recommended daily dose of activity. From beginning tumbling classes to landing that back tuck focus, the physical journey of gymnastic involves passion and a great deal of bodily strength.
And gymnastics isn’t just good for physical health; the social benefits of gymnastics teams can’t be beat. Through gymnastics clubs, children learn to be a team player, and how to positively socialize with their peers.
So tumble on over to your nearest gymnastics center today!