Do Toddlers Need to Workout?

In a word – YES! But it’s not what you think in the traditional sense of “working out”. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , toddlers should get a minimum of 30 minutes of structured physical activity PLUS 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity DAILY. This may seem like a lot but when you look at most toddlers – well, they can definitely handle it! Note that this amount of physical activity does not have to be in continuous blocks.  A good rule of thumb is to NOT let your toddler be sedentary for more than an hour at a time unless he/she is asleep. Regular physical activity is important for increasing your child’s self esteem, energy levels and quality of sleep. It is also key in decreasing anxiety and episodes of depression.

There’s no need to sign your child up with a personal trainer just yet. Unstructured physical activity constitutes active play – on their own and undirected. Think of things like chasing and throwing a ball, rolling down a hill, pulling and pushing toys, or riding a tricycle to name a few.

Structured physical activity is planned movements and play that are age appropriate for their developmental levels directed by you or another older person.  For toddlers, this could include such things as marching and clapping in time to a beat, jumping, hopping, galloping, balancing on one foot, climbing and so much more.

Now for all you concerned moms out there, don’t think you need to enroll your toddler into every gymnastics, swim, dance, music or sport class out there. While these classes are effective in meeting the structured physical activity requirements, YOU can be your toddler’s own personal trainer. Put on their favorite music and start moving. Not only will you save a fortune but you will also be teaching your child the importance of physical activity in their daily lives. An added bonus: you too will get a little extra activity into your day while spending quality time with your child – Now that’s two birds with one stone.