Days when you’re stuck inside with a little one start to feel like time is standing still. Young kids, possibly more than anyone else, tend to reverberate in excess energy when they don’t have an outlet for it — and in ways that really aren’t pretty. Yep, time to get them moving so they can let it all out.<\/p>
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)<\/a>, physical activity helps prevent obesity, heart disease and diabetes, improves sleep, builds strong bones and muscles, diffuses stress, boosts self-esteem, improves an overall sense of well-being and more. So at what age should we start educating kids on the importance of physical activity?<\/p> The AAP recommends that infants get at least 30 minutes of “tummy time” and other interactive play, throughout each day. SHAPE America<\/a>, the Society of Health and Physical Educators, offers guidelines starting from birth. In other words, it’s never too soon to start when it comes to getting physical.<\/p> Keep babies, toddlers and preschoolers entertained and healthy — even when you have to be inside — with these tips and fun indoor exercises for little ones.<\/p> SHAPE America shares the following physical activity guidelines fo<\/a>r kids from birth to age 5<\/a> and their parents or caregivers.<\/p> Infants (birth to age 12 months)<\/strong><\/p> Toddlers (age 12 to 36 months)<\/strong><\/p> Preschoolers (ages 3 to 5)<\/strong><\/p> “With this age group, I love doing movement to music,” says Len Saunders<\/a>, best-selling author, motivational speaker and exercise physiologist. “Kids this age respond positively to music.”<\/p> Saunders organizes national fitness initiatives like Project ACES<\/a> each year, where millions of children exercise simultaneously each May.<\/p> To really get your kiddo in the mood to move, Saunders says that parents should play familiar songs — like the “Chicken Dance” or the “Hokey Pokey.” “These songs may be old to you but new to the kids,” he adds.<\/p>Know the physical activity guidelines for kids<\/h2>
Try these fun indoor exercises for little ones<\/strong><\/h2>