By the time kids are 4 and 5 years old, their physical skills like running, jumping, kicking, and throwing, have come a long way. 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. Feeling confident about his or her abilities builds self-esteem, and staying fit decreases 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: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: May 2011
|Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) YMCAs also offer camps, computer classes, and community service opportunities in addition to fitness classes.|
|American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) The AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.|
|American Council on Exercise (ACE) ACE promotes active, healthy lifestyles by setting certification and education standards for fitness instructors and through ongoing public education about the importance of exercise.|
|When Can Young Kids Start Exercising? Find out what the experts have to say.|
|Games for Preschoolers Whether at a party or a play date, preschoolers love to play games. These games can be used for birthday parties, rainy day get-togethers, or anytime you find yourself with a bunch of energetic preschoolers.|
|What's Funny to a Preschooler? Your preschooler is finding new things funny while developing a better understanding of the world - and is eager to show off new ways to be playful and laugh with you.|
|Fitness for Kids Who Don't Like Sports Some kids aren't natural athletes and they may say they just don't like sports. What then?|
|Nutrition & Fitness Center You know the importance of exercising and eating nutritious foods, but do you know how to raise a healthy and active child? Get practical advice and tips.|
|Kids and Exercise Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges.|
|Playground Safety Following these safety guidelines can make neighborhood playgrounds entertaining and safe for your kids.|
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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