Why Do We Exercise?

Children of this age and day are unlikely to comprehend the benefits that can be reaped from a good exercise. For today’s children, exercise is a foreign language word. They don’t want to hear it; they don’t want to do anything with it. Just hand them their gaming gadget and they are set for the afternoon. Community playgrounds and recreation centers remain unattended shrines; in addition, children also pay no mind to the school playground equipment.

It is our responsibility as parents to teach kids about the importance of exercise and what can do this job better than a song? Research shows that children understand things better when they are communicated in a witty way. So get your guitar out or settle down on the piano seat, and gather the kids around.

1, 2, 3…here we go…

Slow guitar/piano

Slow start
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why do we exercise?
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why do we exercise?

Increase your rhythm
Exercise is the key to healthy longevity
For any age or ability—it’s your responsibility
Exercise helps increase energy—oh yeah
Body works at peak efficiency—oh yeah
Energy for daily tasks and work is a really great perk
Exer, Exer, Exercise

Chorus (accompanied with children’s clap)

Exercise combats disease like type 2 diabetes
Lowers cholesterol, reduces plaque—lowers risk of heart attack
Exercise strengthens your heart and lungs—oh yeah
Improves circulation and keeps you feeling young—oh yeah
Exercise helps manage your weight—being heavy doesn’t have to be your fate
Exer, Exer, Exercise

Chorus (accompanied with children’s clap)

Exercise lowers stress. More confidence you will possess
Take the stairs—walk more—play outside—help with a chore
Improves your mood with endorphins—oh yeah
They make you feel happy and grin—oh yeah
Boosting your self‐esteem while you’re able to blow off steam
Exer, Exer, Exercise

Slow rhythm

Exercise increases blood flow
Speeds up messages from cell to cell
Build better concentration—helps you learn very well
Weight‐bearing exercise builds bone density—keeps muscles strong
Helps you sleep—with exercise and nutrition you can’t go wrong

Chorus (accompanied with children’s clap)

Exercise helps with better skin, boosts circulation and oxygen
Increases production of collagen that would remove a toxin
Exercise should be fun—oh yeah
Benefits can’t be undone—oh yeah
Find something you enjoy for every girl or boy
Exer, exer, exercise—Exercise!

This can be a much better play activity than any modern commercial playground equipment activities. All you need is a musical instrument. If the instrument is not available, try singing a cappella with kids. Sing a verse, and then ask the kids to repeat the verse after you. Kids will not only enjoy this activity, but will also learn a lot about exercise.

How do you make exercise a regular part of your child’s life? Do your kids understand the importance of exercise like they should? Share your opinion with us through our comment section below and help other parents teach their kids the significance of eradicating sedentary life style.

Obesity in Children: What are We Doing Wrong?

According to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), more than 17%, which makes about 12.7 million of the total population, of children in America had obesity in 2010. The research shows that the prevalence of obesity in children has escalated from 15% (in 1980) to 21 % (in 1991), which is a drastic increase and a serious concern for parents. So what are we doing wrong? Why our children are becoming obese? This post intends to find out.

Lack of Physical Activity

When was the last time you saw your child running in the playground, or enjoying the good old fashioned outdoor playground equipment. If it has been a while, then maybe you are neglecting your child’s health that is leading to obesity. Most parents let their children play with high-tech toys that do nothing but make children addicted to screens.

Research has shown that from the beginning of the year 2005 there has been a gradual decrease in the playground activities. But that’s not the only thing that is worrisome; our academic institutions are not promoting physical fitness as they should. A recent research showed that most of the academic institutions in America have no preschool playground equipment and in some cases, there is outdated school playground equipment that plays no role in encouraging kids for physical activities.

Academic Pressure

A longitudinal study regarding physical activity and academic pressure suggests that most children are deprived of the much needed physical activity due to the academic pressure. Parents and academic institutions take physical activities for granted, especially in the higher grades. According to a research study, as the children reach their puberty, their physical activity declines instantaneously. This decline is more eminent in girls than boys; research shows that more than 48% of high school girls become physically inactive as compared to the 28% of the boys.

We no Longer care for the Active Play

Our children have become excessively dependent on the digital gaming devices that cause serious addiction in some children. Children need the time to physically engage themselves with structured and unstructured play in order to develop healthy skills that will greatly help them in their future endeavors.

Digital devices and toys are in no way an alternative for physical activities. It has become a common tradition in our society to let children enjoy their free time in front of the computer screen. Children are only tiring their mind when they indulge in long hours of digital gaming.

So you see, we are inviting obesity in our children’s lives through a series of bad habits. Let’s put an end to this today and encourage our children to have real physical activity for a better physical and mental health.