Physical Fitness For Obese Children

Each year the amount of obese children in the United States rises. Physical fitness as a whole, including cardiovascular health, flexibility, strength, balance and coordination, has been steadily declining in all childhood age groups. The modern American child spends far less time being physically active than a child her or her age did just 20 years ago.

Not only are they spending more time with their bodies inert, but they are shoveling more and more poor food choices into their digestive systems than ever before. The lack of physical fitness in the modern American child can not be blamed on one individual problem. The cause is a culmination of different factors that together pull children from a healthy and fit lifestyle into a life of obesity, apathy and general ill health.

The first main contributing factor to unfit children that begins to take it’s toll in early childhood is diet. In the modern age of convenience, well prepared nutrient rich foods have been replaced with fast and cheap foods that can be microwaved or eaten on the go. Parents with little time look for alternatives such as fast food, microwave dinners or precooked and overly processed foods to help juggle meal times with all the other pressing issues of the day.

During early childhood a child develops the eating habits that are presented to them by their parents. For parents who were themselves raised with poor diet, breaking this cycle can be even harder. To ensure a good start on the road to physical fitness as a baby and young child, families will have to place more importance on food.

Taking the time to prepare food at home with fresh ingredients and ample servings of vegetables helps to develop healthy eating habits in young children that will remain with them their entire lives. Although this change begins at home, schools must also take responsibility for making available unhealthy food options to children and teens.

The second main contributing factor is the extreme lack of physical activity that is required in early childhood. Instead of going outside to play with friends or ride bikes, children instead watch TV or play video games. Instead of having recess at school, they now have added class time. Many fail to realize that a child’s “playtime” is actually a time of exercise.

Recess provided children with an opportunity to play on monkey bars, play tag, basketball, soccer and other activities that increase strength and stamina, reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes and decreases body fat. Schools have completely gotten rid of a morning recess, and reduced lunch recess to a matter of 5 or 10 minutes. The fact that they have also drastically cut physical education out of school and you are left with children who have no outlet for physical activity.

Parents continue the bad behavior at home by not limiting TV and game time, or by not encouraging involvement in sports, dance or some other physical activity. Simple activities such as roller skating, swimming or just going for a walk are excellent ways to help a child become more physically fit.

The only way for American children to regain good health is for physical fitness to be encouraged both at home at school. A few simple changes can make a big difference. For children to be fit, parents will have to take an active role in being fit as well. Make a scheduled time for physical activity every day. Encourage them to take stairs instead of elevators, do family activities like going to the park so they can play on the playground for an hour. Talk to your school. See how much activity they are providing for your child during the day.

If it is not enough make sure you add extra time at home, or try to get other parents involved in petitioning the school to provide better physical education. Encourage children to make proper food choices when at school by introducing them to proper food choices at home. The only way a child can achieve physical fitness is by the encouragement of parents and mentors.