If you’re raising boys, or you’re coaching a team of them, you already know that they can be a whirlwind of energy. And that the pull of screens and digital gadgets is strong! Meeting boys’ need for activity — while maintaining some semblance of order, without inadvertently pushing boys ever-closer to screens, phones, and video games — can be a challenge.
The bottom line is this: Every single boy (every human!) needs physical exercise. Whether it’s running laps around the yard, wrestling with their siblings or kicking around some balls for soccer, movement is an integral part of their health and well-being. Physical exercise is more than just a way to burn off excess energy; it also plays a critical role in physical, mental and emotional development.
Here are 10 reasons boys need physical exercise and activity:
1. You’ll be building healthy bodies.
Physical activity helps to build stronger muscles and bones. Children’s bodies are still growing, and exercise supports healthy growth. The bonus is that they’ll sleep better at night after exertion — and better sleep for them usually means better sleep for you too!
2. Movement helps with their mood.
Ever noticed how a grumpy kid suddenly lightens up after riding a bike or running around? That’s not a coincidence. Exercise releases happy hormones! Endorphins (those feel-good, happy hormones) improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression. It’s like nature’s version of a mood booster. Also: Boys who struggle to express emotions verbally can process their emotions physically. Activity can help them to feel better without saying a word.
3. Improved academics and focus
Plenty of evidence shows that children who are active do better in school. Physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which boosts connection and concentration. It also helps to improve cognitive function and their memory. Boys who fidget and need more focus may even find that their symptoms of ADHD are reduced if they have ample opportunities to move throughout the day. Pro tip: Let your son run around or play physically for 20 minutes or so BEFORE doing homework. You’ll be amazed at the difference.
4. You can teach them teamwork and social skills.
Sports, group games, and active play are amazing opportunities for boys to learn how to work with one another. They’ll learn how to lead, how to follow, how to share, and how to communicate effectively, and all of these skills are critical for young boys. Sports and physical activity are one of the best training grounds for cooperation, empathy and problem solving.
5. You’re going to build confidence and resilience.
Nothing can build a boy’s confidence up like mastering a new skill or achieving a physical goal. Whether it’s learning to swim, scoring their first goal, or doing their first pull up, exercise teaches them that improvement takes effort and time. They’ll learn that setbacks aren’t failures, but simply stepping stones to success.
6. You have the opportunity to reduce screen time.
It’s very difficult to pry kids away from their tablets and video games, but it’s worth the effort! Regular physical activity can offer healthy and or engaging alternatives to screen time, as well as the chance to actively socialize. It may take time for your son to discover the benefits of physical play — especially if he hasn’t had many opportunities to play freely. Lean into activities he enjoys & invite his friends along.
7. You’ll strengthen your family bonding.
Active time is bonding time. Taking your son down to the park to toss a ball around is just as promising as a way to engage with one another as is taking him for a meal. Physical activity creates shared experiences. These experiences build on strong relationships, and it’s these moments of encouragement and celebration that create those lasting connections. Your son may forget a maths test, but he’ll remember the time he and Dad built an obstacle course in the backyard.
8. You’ll encourage healthy competition.
Not every boy grows up to be a pro athlete, and that’s perfectly OK. Being physically active can help boys learn how to compete fairly and how to lose with grace. Learning how to lose and feel good about the effort is a life skill, and it’s something that they should learn as young as possible. Sports can help with that.
9. You have a way to channel that energy.
A growing boy has endless energy and some boys just come with a built in motor that will not shut off rather than constantly trying to calm them down. Channeling that energy into movement is a big win for everybody involved. A structured activity like sports or martial arts, as well as unstructured play like jumping on a trampoline or running around the park, are great ways to help them to burn off the energy in a healthy way.
10. You’re setting a lifestyle foundation.
It’s important that your children have a healthy lifestyle, and habits that are built in childhood are the ones that tend to last the longest. Boys who grow up understanding the importance of exercise are more likely to stay active into adulthood. They’ll be the dads who throw the ball with their kids, the men who hike, swim, or bike just for fun. Helping them to see movement as fun (and not an unpleasant chore) is one of the best long term gifts that you could give them.
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