Physical exercise has been known to help with strengthening muscles and bones, as well as to prevent many chronic illnesses such as heart disease. Other than improving one’s physical health, exercise also has a positive impact on cognitive development and emotional well-being. It is also linked to an enhanced academic achievement and reduced risk for depression.

Although there is extensive research on the endless benefits of physical activity for children, less than twenty five percent of kids and teens meet the ideal duration of physical activity in a day. Children are spending an increased amount of time on their screens, living a more sedentary than active lifestyle. 

As a child progresses into adulthood, self-confidence plays an important role in their development and growth. It affects their sense of self and prevents them from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. There is now extensive research showing that physical exercise leads to an increase in self-confidence in children. Read on to find out how.

How Physical Activity Boosts Confidence

• Skill Building

When a child is developing certain age-appropriate skills such as hand-eye coordination, jumping and balancing, physical activity is of high importance. When children are exposed to many of such activities from young, they tend to get better at it due to more opportunities to practice. This results in them having more confidence to perform these skills in front of their peers during physical education classes in school. When children learn from a young age that playing a sport is fun and makes them feel good, they have a higher tendency to continue being active on their own accord, instead of feeling like they are forced to do so by schools and parents.

• Resilience and Mental Strength

When children learn a particular sport, they have to fall often – off a scooter, skateboard, scooter, for example - before getting the hang of it. When they are young, the severity of the fall is smaller, and they get used to the idea of falling and getting up to try again. Younger children are also more excited and enthusiastic about trying new sports and adventures. However, as they get older, many start to feel more self-conscious when learning a sport due to higher social pressure.

Losing in sports, falling off a skateboard, and failing to catch the ball, are all part and parcel of being actively involved in sports. Children learn valuable lessons on perseverance, not giving up, and how to cope with disappointment through these experiences. These lessons learnt while playing sports can then be transferred to and applied in other aspects of life as well, such as failing an exam or losing a friend.

How to Help Children Gain Confidence

• Encourage them to do sports they enjoy by first exposing them to a variety of activities.
• Place more focus on helping children gain age-appropriate skills such as sprinting.
• Invite families to incorporate more fitness activities into their lifestyle.
• Frame physical exercise in a positive light by using body-positive language.

One way to create more opportunities for your child to have an active lifestyle is to build an indoor play area in your home that is easily accessible to them at all times. Fitness Kid is the ideal company to work with. Check out the range of high quality products we offer and contact us if you need assistance.