Reasons Running is Good for Kids

Little did I know that when I was a kid running down the street at my grandmother’s house that I would go on to invent a running product for kids and adults. I wasn’t very coordinated and my dad used to call me Twinkletoes. But running for me as a kid was freedom. I could run all through the country roads and get a runner’s high. That was before I even knew what that was. But as a hyperactive kid, it seemed to eventually calm me down. And I was a happy kid. Maybe running had something to do with it. Because running is good for kids.

When should kids start running?

Pediatricians say that between 6 and 8 is a good time for kids to learn to run a mile without stopping. I would play a game where I would run as fast as I could to the next mailbox and then the next telephone pole. That was before I had music to distract me.

Reasons running is good for kids

There are several reasons why kids should engage in running or any form of physical activity. Here are some reasons running is good for kids:

Physical Health:

Running is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles, and enhance overall physical health. Regular running can help kids maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of obesity, and develop strong bones and muscles.

Mental Well-being:

Running has positive effects on mental health. It helps release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. Regular running can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression in children, promoting overall mental well-being.

Motor Skills Development:

Running involves coordination, balance, and agility, which are crucial for the development of motor skills in children. By engaging in running activities, kids can improve their body awareness, spatial orientation, and gross motor skills.

Social Interaction:

Running can be a social activity, whether it’s participating in organized sports, joining a running club, or simply playing with friends. It provides opportunities for children to interact with their peers, develop teamwork skills, and build lasting friendships.

Discipline and Goal Setting:

Running requires discipline and perseverance. By setting goals, training, and working towards achieving them, children learn important life skills such as determination, discipline, and resilience. Running can teach them the value of hard work and help them develop a sense of accomplishment.

Cognitive Benefits:

Research has shown that physical activity, including running, can positively impact cognitive functions in children. Regular exercise has been linked to improved attention span, memory, and academic performance. Running can also stimulate creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Healthy Habits:

Encouraging children to run from an early age promotes a habit of physical activity, which can carry into adulthood. Regular exercise in childhood sets a foundation for a healthy lifestyle, reducing the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

Outdoor Fun:

Research has shown that kids who play outside are happier and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors. Running outdoors is a good way to get kids out in nature rather than sitting on the couch in front of a TV screen or computer. Fresh, clean air is good for their health.

It’s important to note that children should engage in running and other physical activities in a safe and age-appropriate manner. Parents and guardians should ensure that children warm up and wear appropriate footwear and clothing. They should have proper supervision during their running activities. And always make sure they have plenty of hydration!

I think running as a kid set me up to enjoy being active and out in nature. Thanks to my passion for running as a kid I was able to invent a product that has enabled me to make a good living and create something for other kids and adults to make running better. If your kid shows an interest in running, encourage it.

 

 

Kids and Running

Most kids are natural runners. But what about the ones that aren’t? Is there a way to get them interested in running and at what age should they start? How closely should they be supervised?

A good age to start is somewhere between kindergarten and the first grade. If they show an interest you can help them along by starting them off slowly and working up to a more structured program.

The most important thing to do is to make it fun. Just like adults, if something isn’t fun most people won’t stick to it. They can warm up with games like tag and hide and go seek. Or the older kids may find rollerblading, hula hoop, and skateboards fun. A new set of rollerblades or a new bike under the Christmas tree or as a birthday present may be just the spark that’s needed.

If you can’t get them outdoors yet, you can always start with something on wii fit. Some of the fit games they have are Ski Jump, Hula Hoop, Soccer Heading, and Basic Step (similar to Dance, Dance Revolution).

Just like adults kids need to start off slowly and work their way up, building stamina over time. Maker sure they have appropriate socks and good shoes and do some stretching and warm ups in the beginning.

Walk before you run. Kids will walk with you if the scenery is interesting to them. Walk around the mall, parks, the beach, and through the neighborhood. 10,000 steps equals about 5 miles. Slowly build up to doing a walk-run and eventually to running.

Find a good youth running program or youth running club. Not only is it a good, structured way to learn how to run the right way, but it’s also a good way to meet friends. Kids can record their progress and learn how to set goals.

There are fun runs all over the country. Many marathons also have something for the kids, whether it’s a kids fun run, or some are called a fun dash. They are between 100-400 meters and offer the kids free T-shirts and souvenirs when they cross the finish line. You can start by taking them to races and cheering other runners on from the sidelines. Get them in the spirit of being involved in a community event that’s fun and healthy.

If you notice they are really not into running, don’t push it.There are plenty of others ways to get your kids off of the couch and moving. But if they do show interest, there’s a lot that you can do to encourage them.

Look into a good youth running program or running club.