Physical movement for a healthy body
By Anne-Marie De Beer, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager, Nestlé East, and Southern Africa
Children’s bodies and minds benefit greatly from regular physical activity and movement, which ensures optimal growth and development during the different stages. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet not only improves immunity, growth, and development, it also ensures the proper development of the brain and improves a Childs activity levels and cognitive functions. Exercise and movement promote the development of both gross and fine motor skills in children. In addition, it also keeps their bones, muscles, and joints healthy, and may help reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as childhood obesity.
The first step in establishing a healthy lifestyle is to lead by example and encourage physical activity as an important step towards healthy lifestyles. Here are 5 fun exercises and activities to promote movement and physical activity. These activities can be strung together for longer playtime and some healthy competition between the kids and caregivers:
Playing outside
Playing outside is simple but chasing each other around is one of the best exercises kids can do, perfect for kids with endless energy. Playing outside also has additional benefits as they can test their physical limits, express themselves and build their self-confidence whilst building strong bones and strengthening their muscles.
Skipping
Skipping is a wonderful way to increase your heart rate and strengthen your whole body, it is also a fantastic way to boost your little one’s brainpower.
Follow the leader
An old-time favourite that never gets old, let the kids take turns being the leader directing others to match their every move. Encourage them to get active by skipping, crawling, and using their imagination.
Dance party
Turn up the radio and get moving and grooving. For extra fun, use some fun lighting, like lava lamps. Kids can compete for the best dance move or catch the one who doesn’t stop when the music stops. Kids can also enjoy musical chairs to get them to run around and dance all in one activity.
Clean up race
What could be better than fun exercises for kids that benefit both their bodies and your house? Pick a room or assign the whole house and see which kid can clean up the most. The best part is that this can be a daily game to make sure the little ones clean up after themselves.
Now that you know that exercise doesn’t have to be boring. Start implementing these ideas into your child’s routine and emphasize the importance of being active. These activities will go a long way in laying the groundwork for a healthy, happy life. And when it’s all said and done, take time out to enjoy a glass of Milo to hydrate and reward your kids for their hard work.