How to avoid a sedentary lifestyle in children under five years of age
Physical activity is essential for many reasons. Our muscles and bones allow us to move and as such we must do, because a life with exercise is synonymous with a healthy life as soon as an adequate diet is added. That's why the movement is so important and avoid sedentary lifestyle, and even more so from the earliest childhood.
As explained by the pediatricians of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics AEP, all people at all ages, whatever their sex and their state of health, can benefit from being physically active. In the case of children, by nature "tend to move and not stop, especially when they are small," but the truth is that today's society "does not make it easy for children to be active outdoors or at home."
It is increasingly common for very young children to remain seated and spend time "in activities that do not require moving," something that should not be encouraged. Therefore, these are the recommendations given by the Ministry of Health on the minimum to be achieved, by age group, to improve health.
Exercise recommendations for children under 5 years
1. Perform physical activity
In the case of children who are not yet walking, it is recommended "to promote physical activity several times a day, through games on the floor, in the bathroom, and always in safe environments for them".
On the other hand, for children who do walk, it is still early for them to practice sports and physical exercise as older children or adults would. Therefore, structured activities and free play are recommended at least 3 hours a day. That yes, they must be distributed throughout the day, both inside and outside the house and variable intensity. "As children grow, it is necessary to gradually increase the intensity of activity", they clarify
2. Reduce prolonged sedentary periods
It is not recommended that children devote more than one hour to sedentary activities (when they are awake, of course). Among these activities are those such as sitting or sitting on chairs, cars or seesaws, or watching television, playing with mobile phones, computers, video games, etc.
3. Limit the time in front of screens
As we have already pointed out on several occasions, it is not recommended for children to spend time in front of screens until they are two years old. In the case of those who are between two and four years old, the recommendation is not to be more than one hour a day in front of these electronic devices.
Angela R. Bonachera
