By the time they're 4 and 5 years old, kids have mastered
basic movement skills like running and jumping, and have plenty of
energy to put them to good use.
Now they'll continue to refine these skills and build
on them to learn more complex ones.
Take advantage of your child's natural tendency to be
active. Staying fit can help improve kids' self-esteem and
decrease the risk of serious illnesses later in life.
Fitness for Preschoolers
The National Association of Sports and Physical Education
recommends that every day preschoolers should:
- get at least 60 minutes of structured physical activity
(adult-led activity)
- get at least 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity
(free play)
- not be inactive for more than 1 hour at a time (unless
sleeping)
It's important to understand what preschoolers can handle.
They should participate in fun and challenging activities that
help build skills and coordination but aren't beyond
their abilities.
Kids this age are learning to hop, skip, and jump forward,
and are eager to show off how they can balance on one foot (for 5
seconds or longer), catch a ball, or do a somersault. Preschoolers
might also enjoy swimming, hiking, dancing, and riding a
tricycle or bicycle with training wheels.
Many parents look to organized sports to get preschoolers
active. But the average 4- or 5-year-old has not mastered even the
basics, such as throwing, catching, and taking turns. Even simple
rules may be hard for them to understand, as any parent who has
watched their child run the wrong way during a game knows.
And starting too young can be frustrating for kids and may
discourage future participation in sports. So if you decide to sign
your preschooler up for soccer or another team sport, be sure to
choose a peewee league that emphasizes the fundamentals.
No matter what the sport or activity, remember that fitness
should be fun. If your child isn't having fun, ask why and try
to address the issue or find another activity.
Family Fitness Tips
Walking, playing, running in the backyard, or using playground
equipment at a local park can be fun for the entire family.
Other activities to try together, or for a group of
preschoolers to enjoy, include:
- playing games such as "Duck, Duck, Goose" or
"Follow the Leader," then mixing it up with
jumping, hopping, and walking backward
- kicking a ball back and forth
- hitting a ball off a T-ball stand
- playing freeze dance or freeze tag
- pretending to be statues to practice balancing
Kids can be active even when they're stuck indoors.
Designate a safe play area and try some active inside games:
- Treasure hunt: Hide "treasures" throughout the
house and provide clues to their locations.
- Obstacle course: Set up an obstacle course with chairs,
boxes, and tours for the kids to go over, under, through, and
around.
- Soft-ball games: Use soft foam balls to play indoor
basketball, bowling, soccer, or catch. You can even use balloons
to play volleyball or catch.
When to Call the Doctor
If your child refuses to play or join other kids in sports or
complains of pain after being active, talk with your doctor.
Kids who enjoy sports and exercise tend to stay active
throughout their lives. And staying fit can improve self-esteem,
help a person maintain a healthy weight, and decrease the risk of
serious illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart
disease later in life.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: August 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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