Exercise is Important for all Ages

It’s imperative that we exercise throughout our life. Healthy lifestyle habits begin when we are toddlers and should continue throughout adulthood. It’s never too early, or too late, to encourage a love for physical activity. However, guidelines do vary depending on age. Let’s see if you, and your loved ones, are getting the appropriate exercise.

Children love to move.

Children ages 6 to 17 should aim for one hour of moderate to high-intensity aerobic exercise every day. Strength training activities that build muscle may also be included 2 to 3 days a week. There are some additional guidelines depending on specific age.

Younger children, ages 3 to 5, should be physically active throughout the day but do not need formal exercise. Swimming is an example of a healthy way to encourage a toddler to be active. By ages 6 to 8, children can participate more in sports, which helps overall development. However, overuse injuries can become common. Hand-eye coordination is a focus for kids ages 9 to 11. It is important to focus on improving skill and competing, but not on winning.

Growing teenagers.

Kids ages 12 to 14 may be interested in more muscle-building exercises, but this is discouraged prior to puberty. A healthier option is using elastic tubing for strengthening and doing bodyweight exercises. Once a child has gone through puberty and is ready to lift heavy weights, it’s important they learn proper form from an expert. Front Door Fitness offers youth performance classes that help with skill and technique.

Don’t stop moving in adulthood.

Once we enter adulthood, the guidelines suggest 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Another alternative is vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for 75 minutes a week, or a combination of both. Adults must also do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week to keep their muscles and bones strong.

Seniors benefit from regular exercise.

Older adults must, too, be regularly physically active for healthy aging. It can help prevent many health problems that seem to come with age. The guidelines do not change once becoming older. However, anything that gets our heart beating faster counts and it may be useful to break up the exercise throughout the day in order to avoid overexertion.

We can join each other in our efforts to stay healthy. Kids can walk with their grandparents and older children can inspire younger ones. It simply starts by being a role model and an inspiration for others. Like a wildfire, our spark will spread. If you need help knowing how to properly begin your own exercise program, remember that Front Door Fitness helps all ages.