Be Well - Kids and Fitness

By Sara Grassmeyer
Wellness Coordinator

I read an article this week published in the January issue of Pediatrics, claiming children who take part in physical activity experience better academic performance.

How does physical activity improve academic performance? Researchers suggest that exercise increases “blood and oxygen flow to the brain, increasing levels of hormones and neurotransmitters that reduce stress and improve mood [by] increasing growth factors that help create new nerve cells and support nerve function (Pediatrics, 2012).”

Ok, what does that mean? It means that when you (and your kids) exercise, more blood and oxygen flow to your brain. This increases stress-reducing hormones ultimately improving your mood. Physical activity literally makes you happier. Happier kids perform better academically thanks to the nerve cell production and stimulation. Through physical activity, kids are able to reduce stress by having fun which allows them to focus and perform better in school.

Now, as a parent … what can YOU do? By encouraging your child to play outside and engage in active creative play, your child will become more imaginative, increase physical activity levels and improve social skills through interactions with friends. Think about how much you played outside when you were younger and how much fun it was to create something from nothing. Enrolling your child in organized sports leagues may be a great way to teach kids teamwork, collaboration and a new skill. PLUS, what a great way to increase physical activity! Don’t you remember how much you loved to play sports as a kid? I have very fond memories of playing and coaching youth basketball with my dad. I may not be able to do a left-handed layup, but I am a good team player and always had a great time.

Don’t be afraid to spend some time playing with your child. Not only can you sneak in some physical fitness for yourself, but can get a little extra one-on-one time with your children. With the snow storm we are expecting this week, take your kids outside and make snow angels, snowmen or just run around. The added element of the snow makes exercise a little more challenging (in a good way). Too cold? It really might be… stay inside and pop in a Yoga Kids DVD, create a kickboxing routine or put on some music and dance. Snow all gone and you live by a park? Great! Use the Outdoor Circuit workout from October or make up your own. The playground is such a good place to create a workout using the already kid-friendly foundation.

Whatever you do, include your kids with your workout; their academic performance and your health could be positively impacted.

Sara Grassmeyer, MPH, is the Wellness Program Coordinator for Porter County Parks and Recreation. She leads a variety of wellness programs at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. To learn more, contact her at 219-707-8281, or e-mail sgrassmeyer@porterco.org.