The Covid-19 pandemic kept children at home with less physical activity and less outdoor play, with only online classes and games. Lack of physical activity leads to an increase in children’s obesity, which can have a dramatic impact on children’s health unless we act immediately.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine shows that the higher the level of physical fitness of a child, the better his concentration and health-related quality of life. Researchers commented that elementary school students with good physical strength and concentration are more likely to go on to secondary school. Therefore, this is also possible, and it is even more important to promote the motor development of the child at an early stage. It has a positive impact on the development of mental fitness.
However, all parents are worried about when their child will start exercising because they do not know the age at which their child will participate in team sports or lift weights. Doctors and medical professionals recommend that it is safe for children 6 years and older to undergo moderate to intense aerobic exercise for at least one hour a day, but skeletal maturity is approaching and growth is skyrocketing. Then you need to allow weightlifting.
Although not late to encourage children’s physical activity, Dr. Shubhang Aggarwal, an orthopedic and robotic joint replacement surgeon at the NHS Hospital in Jalandhar, explains nature and strength in an interview with HT Lifestyle. To help you list a wide range of age-related guidance below. Of training and sports that a child should do.
3-5 years old
In this age group, the bones of the child are still growing, so it is necessary to maintain a healthy weight. This can be done by keeping them physically active all day long. Children ages 3-5 can run, learn to cycle with side supports, and use the jungle gym and soccer. But they should be encouraged to play, not compete.
The reason is that children of this age are not well tuned to hit a thrown ball or have true ball handling skills. Another way to keep your child active is swimming. It is okay to introduce swimming to children aged 6 months to 3 years under the supervision of a trained coach or swimming parent. After the first training, the kids are ready to learn a special stroke.
6-8 years old
By this age, the children had developed enough to do gymnastics and to ride a bicycle in secret. This is a good opportunity to introduce your child to exercise and fitness-related activities that require physical balance and control, as well as sports such as tennis / badminton / basketball / soccer. However, you need to be taught about proper warm-up and wearing protective equipment.
9-11 years old
Encouraging competition at this age is fine. At this point, the child has developed hand-eye coordination and is usually able to hit the ball accurately with a bat and make good contact with a tennis ball. Apart from that, children of this age can be introduced to long-distance running and short triathlons. It is important that they are physically and mentally trained for these events and maintain healthy hydration.
12-14 years old
By this age, children may be oriented towards strength and hypertrophy, but weightlifting is not recommended. Instead, you should encourage them to do weight exercises that do not require equipment, such as push-ups or squats. In this way, children can develop strength while protecting their bones and joints from injury.
15 years and over
When a teenager reaches puberty, he is ready to lift the weight, but is encouraged to take a weight training class or several sessions by a specialist. Along with training, it is important to pay attention to their nutrition and hydration. If you feel any signs, injuries or fatigue, stop immediately and consult your doctor.
Dr. Shubhang Aggarwal said: Staying healthy also helps children build self-esteem, prevent obesity, and reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease in later years. As a parent, you need to encourage your children to choose their sport and explore other forms of sport and physical activity. “
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