Strengthening Exercises for Kids

Do you want to introduce strengthening exercises to your kids? Well, it is a wonderful idea!

In an age dominated by the internet and technology, encouraging your child for strengthening exercises has become more important than ever. These strengthening exercises play an important role in improving the overall fitness of the child.

For children, the strengthening exercises boost their confidence and self-esteem, promoting a sense of achievement. Additionally, many reputed schools in Pune India maintain the physical and mental fitness of their students with strengthening exercises.

But, what are the best strengthening exercises for kids? This guide explores the various strengthening exercises that are safe, effective, and fun for the kids.

Top Strengthening Exercises for Kids

Hip Bridges:

Hip bridges are excellent for strengthening your glutes, lower back, and hamstrings. For this exercise, let the child lie on the back with the knees bent and feet flat on the ground. They should then gently lift their hips upward (towards the ceiling), forming a straight line from the shoulders to the knees. Hold the position for a few seconds and then return to the normal position gently.

Boxing:

Boxing is one of the best dynamic ways to enhance strength and coordination in children. This exercise involves the combination of footwork, punches, and core stability to improve upper body strength, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. It also improves discipline and focus, making it an ideal choice for children to develop strength.

Baseball Swings:

This is one of the best strengthening exercises to build core strength and improve hand-eye coordination. With the help of a lightweight bat, encourage your child to practise swinging in a controlled manner. Focus on using hips and legs to generate power. This exercise strengthens the upper body and promotes enhanced performance in various sports.

Wheelbarrow:

If you are looking for a fun and effective strengthening exercise for your upper body, this can be the right choice. During this exercise, one child holds the legs of another child as they walk on their hands. This exercise engages their hands, shoulders, arms, and core and also improves their coordination.

Crab Walk:

Crab walks are a fun and engaging exercise that strengthens the entire body, mainly focusing on the arms, core, and legs. For this exercise, let your child sit on the ground with their hands behind them and their feet flat on the ground. They should then lift their body upwards and walk backward using their hands and feet. This encourages mobility and strengthens muscles for crawling and climbing.

Cycling:

Undoubtedly, cycling is one of the best cardiovascular strengthening exercises to strengthen the lower body. Whether on a static bike or outdoors, cycling promotes endurance and leg strength. This fun and social activity can be a great way to promote cardiovascular health while developing strong leg muscles. Encourage your child to cycle with their friends and family members.

Calf Raises:

This is a simple yet the most effective exercise for strengthening the calves. For this exercise, let your child stand with their feet and shoulder width apart and slowly rise onto their toes. Hold this position for a few seconds and then gently settle down. Make this exercise a lot more fun with a competition of who can hold the position longer.

Planks:

Planks are a core strengthening exercise that can easily be modified according to the capabilities of the child. Have the child lie face down on the ground, then lift their body upwards by balancing them on their forearms and toes. Encourage them to hold the position for as long as possible and then gently lower their body in a straight line. This exercise engages multiple muscles to promote stability and strength.

Burpees:

Burpees are one of the most effective forms of exercise for the entire body. This can be both challenging and enjoyable for the kids. Start this exercise in a standing position, drop into a squat, kick the legs back into a push-up position, return to squat, and jump up to get in the standing position. This exercise helps promote strength, coordination, and endurance.

Swimming:

Swimming is one of the best all-round strengthening exercises for kids of all age groups. This exercise enhances strength, endurance, and flexibility in the kids by engaging multiple muscles while being easy on the joints. Different stroke movements make swimming a complete exercise. Encourage your kids to join swimming classes to promote their strength and a love for water preservation and safety.

Conclusion

Strengthening exercises ensure physical fitness and overall well-being of the children. Engaging in these fun and beneficial exercises builds their strength and also motivates them to adopt healthy living habits.

As one of the best CBSE schools in Pune, GIIS aims for the holistic development of the students with its extracurricular activities. Our comprehensive and inclusive curriculum encourages students to participate in strengthening exercises, promoting a balanced lifestyle. GIIS Pune prioritises holistic education, physical fitness, and the overall well-being of its students to be their ideal choice.