While this may sound surprising, experts note that parents can use this motivation to help encourage kids to move, too. Being intentional with incorporating movement into your family’s daily life can help kids naturally get more exercise
What the Data Says
While some children still enjoy active and vigorous play, the amount of time kids spend being physically active lessens at age 8, and even more at age 11. These results from 2019 don’t account for the impact of COVID-19 or factoring social distancing and less human interaction into the mix. In fact, a recent report from The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne culled data from over 2,000 participants. The results note that Australian youth were 42% less active during the initial lockdown period in 2020. AusPlay, an Australian publicly-funded population survey assessing kids’ participation in sports, gathered information from over 20,000 individuals. Researchers foundthat 44% of those surveyed ages 15 to 17 were less active in sports and physical activities. A 2019 study published in Obesity Reviews reviewed findings from over 9000 reports. The data caused researchers to express concern that children worldwide are at risk of not getting enough physical activity. Meanwhile, the AusPlay survey notes an increase in adults’ physical activity, with 29% of parents in several age groups saying they’re getting more physical exercise. While this data is from Australia, where COVID-19 lockdown requirements different, it helps to paint a picture of how children and their parents have been incorporating active movement into their lives since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Impact of Physical Activity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that children ages 6 to 17 years old should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis. Activity for younger children is recommended based upon their age. Aerobic activity helps to strengthen muscles and bones and benefit cardiovascular health. It is also helpful mentally and emotionally. “Short-term effects are quite striking," notes Timothy Olds, PhD, Professor, Alliance for Research in Exercise Nutrition and Activity, Sansom Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of Australia. “Even a single bout of physical activity will improve memory, and what we call executive function, which is basically the ability to make decisions and juggle a lot at once. Long-term [exercise] is associated with much better school and academic performance.” Studies note that screen time has become much more prevalent, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children became dependent on computers for school, recreation, and even socialization with platforms like FaceTime and Zoom. Additionally, team sports disappeared during the pandemic, removing an outlet to physically interact and compete. It impacted kids’ lifestyles in a way that persists, despite some team sports reemerging. Parents, on the other hand, have been taking advantage of several ways to be physically active. Trips to the gym or walks in the neighborhood served as a time to unwind and relax after work. This is especially critical since many were working remotely with no separation of work and home life. Other outdoor activities even allow parents the opportunity to socialize.
Changing the Trend Together
Physical activity is important for the entire family. It can also be fun, and something the family does together. “Make exercise mandatory and always [put it] on the schedule," advises Angie Bryant, CrossFit PTC adult and kids coach and personal trainer. “Plan bike rides and family walks and outings to parks.” She also recommends including movement in all parts of the day, including stretching exercises in the morning. Even yoga before bed can be a beneficial way for parents and children to relax. “It has to be a lifestyle, not an afterthought,” Bryant concludes.
