Can kids do to much exercise?

As  you know I am a big advocate for kids health & fitness.  After all our bodies have been designed to move., not to sit around playing computer and TV games. All of us need exercise especially kids. 

The question is - Can kids do too much exercise? 

Sometimes I think we operate in a world of extreme's.Some families are swamped with their kids activities after school and on the weekend. Whilst others appear not to put too much focus on kids activities. For these folk , I just hope that their kids do get some daily exercise.

We have the ever growing problem of obesity and the many health risks and sicknesses obesity brings with it. And then we have other kids that just seem to be able to manage everything.  Staying up late doing homework - getting up early to train for their chosen kids activities, just going and achieving all the time.

So whilst we need to keep encouraging kids exercise and healthy lifestyle's  we do need to be aware of the signs of burn out. We also need to remember that our kids are still growing and this takes a lot out of them - if we or they push themselves to much it may be detrimental to their health.

Parents and carers need to be vigilant of the following signs:

• Irritability ( I would say most afternoons afterschool)
• Apathy
• General fatigue
• Crying for no reason
• Un characteristic bad behavior or tantrums
• Headaches-  stomachaches
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargic or unmotivated
• Falling behind in schoolwork

Unfortunately as adults we have trained ourselves to keep pushing through  even when we are feeling tired or unwell. Generally speaking I think kids are more in tune with their bodies than adults. We will hear the crying," I am too tired" , "I don't want to go". When this happens we need to decide if the kids are bluffing or not? But, that is another topic for another day.  In the meantime be vigilant of your kids their exercise and health, as always if you are looking to increase or change your kids activities check out the ActiveActivities directory.

Have Fun Kids!