The Three Elements of Fitness

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

10 Aug 2006 03:30 PM

Do you know what the elements of fitness are? They include strength, flexibility and endurance. These three elements are combined in almost all fitness programs, especially those that are designed to offer a balanced and healthy active lifestyle. When it comes to the three elements of fitness, you don't have to design an exercise program for your children to incorporate those as they do in their everyday activities.

Check them out on the playground or at the park and pay attention. When they are playing tag, the person who is 'it' is often getting quite the endurance workout. When they are hoisting themselves on the monkey bars and striding hand over hand across them - they are holding up their whole body with their arms - and that's definitely strength training. The kids who are playing twister, stretching and reaching for a toy, sand shovel or to tie their shoes is getting their flexibility involved.

What's Important

The idea here is that kids are already have the building blocks to get their endurance, strength and flexibility training in - they just need the sustained time at the activities in order to make the most of them. What you are looking for, in most cases, is thirty to forty-five minutes of sustained activity.

So if your child is the one who never stops running, climbing and jumping on the playground during recess or when you take them to the park - they are falling more into the active category. At that point, it's just up to you to make sure they have the opportunity.

Other ways you can help them out is to take them roller skating, biking, swimming, soccer practice and dance class. Most of the time, just good old fashion play is all they need - but make sure they are getting it - daily and you will both benefit from having an active child.

How much active play do your kids get daily?

Related Articles:

Your Kids and Exercise

The Debate About Recess

Bullies and Weight Loss

Your Child: The Reluctant Exerciser

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger