Kids are naturally active. They don’t just sit in front of a TV set or play computer games, they move around the house doing things like running, riding bikes, playing tag, swinging on swings and climbing trees.

But as they grow older, many youngsters start to lose that natural desire to be active. Instead, they become couch potatoes. This is why it is important for children to have regular exercise sessions. It helps them stay fit, build muscle and burn calories, all of which will help them grow up healthy and strong.

Exercise improves the cardiovascular system by helping the heart pump blood more effectively. It also increases endurance and stamina. When you work out regularly, your body becomes stronger and better able to meet your daily physical needs.

In addition, exercise can increase bone strength and reduce obesity. In fact, exercise can help prevent osteoporosis in later life, too. It can also help improve mood and mental well-being.

Studies show that people who are physically active tend to feel happier and less stressed than those who spend hours sitting at home every day. So while exercise may not be enjoyable, there can be real benefits.

Below we list some of these benefits so parents and grandparents can convince their children to get off the couch and do something active.

1. Exercise makes you fitter

When you exercise, you use your whole body. That means you need to breathe deeply, stretch muscles, push yourself harder, raise your heart rate.

It’s no wonder then that when you begin exercising regularly, your fitness levels quickly rise. Your weight drops down too, because the extra energy you consume through food and drinks goes into burning fat instead.

2. Exercise builds muscle

There are two types of muscle in our bodies – skeletal and smooth. Skeletal muscle is what we use to perform actions such as lifting weights and carrying stuff. Smooth muscle is found throughout our body. It does everything from regulating blood pressure to moving our bowels.

When you exercise, you’re building more muscle fibers and adding more strength to your body. There are lots of different ways to exercise, but most involve working out with weights, using cardio machines, or doing stretches or exercises that strengthen the core.

If you want to add muscle mass, try resistance training. A simple way to do this is by hanging weight plates from your wrists and ankles and performing pushups, squats, and planks.

You might find it difficult to spot or tone your abs at first, but if you stick with it, they will eventually appear. If you’d rather focus on strengthening your back, try lying face down on the floor and keeping your legs straight for 30 seconds before getting up.

3. Exercise boosts your immune system

The human body has its own built-in defenses against disease, but they can only do so much. To keep your defenses up to scratch, you need to boost your immunity. One way to achieve this is by boosting your vitamin intake. The best vitamins for fighting colds, flu and other viruses are Vitamin C and zinc.

Another way to make sure that your defense mechanisms aren’t weakened is by exercising regularly. Regular workouts release endorphins (feel good hormones) in your brain, which helps keep you happy and relaxed. These endorphins also increase your pain threshold, making it easier to recover after a workout.

If you want to boost your immune system further, you could try eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. These foods contain antioxidants, which fight free radicals, molecules that damage cells and cause illness.

4. Exercise is good for your mind

Regular exercise is great for your physical health, but it doesn’t stop there. You’re actually increasing your chances of living a long and fulfilling life by being mentally fit.

One reason is that exercise helps stave off depression. Another is that it can keep you calm, stress-free and happy. And it can even help you sleep better.

When you exercise every day, your brain learns to crave physical activity. As a result, you’ll be more likely to enjoy exercising once you start doing it regularly.

So whether it’s climbing a mountain or taking part in a fun family game, exercise can benefit your child’s mental well-being. It might not be the most exciting thing he or she ever does, but it’s definitely worthwhile.

You’re giving your kids a chance to lead healthier lives by encouraging them to be active. You’re also protecting their future happiness and well-being. So if you think exercise is essential to a kid’s growth and development, you will find some practical ideas on Gsp.ro to get started.