Life

Q+A | Exercising children

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-02-23 07:47

What are some of the benefits of exercising infants?

As an increasing amount of research concludes, giving infants an early start in exercise programs helps them create a strong constitution as they grow into adulthood. Benefits for introducing exercise to children depend on the infant and the exercises practiced.

For the youngest children, basic body exercises can help increase balance and coordination required for the next stages of development.

For infants close to one year old, exercises should be geared toward building upper body strength with the coordination needed for crawling.

Are there any non-physical advantages of exercising a child?

Exercising with other mothers in a group is probably the most beneficial form of engaging a baby in physical activity.

The social setting gives an early foundation for future skill sets, such as sharing and taking turns, while it also helps the baby interact with others in a positive setting.

Group classes introduce the child to a wide-range of stimulus that may not be found in the home, better allowing the child to develop their hearing and vision.

Even if a parent practices at home, there are non-physical benefits to exercising a baby. First and foremost, it gives the parent and a child a unique form of interaction that wouldn't happen in other scenarios. It also provides a way for them to develop an emotional bond from a very young age.

Can infant exercise programs be harmful?

While data suggest that the right amount of exercise can prove greatly helpful for a child's development, many parents are known to push a child beyond their physical means.

Unknowingly overworking a child or incorrectly executing exercises can lead to psychological and physical damage.

Some pediatric organizations advise parents not to engage their baby in infant exercise, claiming that the child receives most of the physical stimulation it needs to develop naturally.

What age is appropriate to enroll a child in an exercise program?

The age of a child can vary depending on the type of program and the activities involved.

Some group activities are appropriate for children as young as just a few months old, focusing on the development of posture and neck strength.

Others are geared toward a much older crowd, encouraging more interaction and movement.

What is the first step when enrolling a child in an exercise program?

Research. Talk with a pediatrician and listen to what they have to say since they know what is best for a child.

Before enrolling a child in a class or practicing at home, make sure the exercises are appropriate for the child's age and research the proper amount of time to be undertaken.

If opting to go to group sessions, talk with the instructor to make sure the child is not at risk.

Students compete in a relay race at their sports day. Exercise is important for children of all ages.