Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, The Elements of Fitness | Fit Kids Are Healthy Kids, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-16
kids climbing rope playground equipment

3 Elements of Fitness

If you've ever watched children on a playground, you've seen the three elements of fitness in action when they:

  1. Run around playing tag (cardio)
  2. Play hopscotch (muscle & bone strength)
  3. Climb a ladder(flexibility)

Playing and being physically active are very important for children’s health. Children should engage in indoor and outdoor active play in their pre-school and at home. Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular activity, preschoolers who are physically fit have stronger muscles and bones, are less likely to become overweight and have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

Stretching activities help maintain flexibility by allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion. Although most preschoolers are already flexible, learning to maintain healthy muscles is important. Children can begin to loose their flexibility during adolescence if they are not active. Look for opportunities every day to reach and stretch by trying to get a toy just out of reach, practicing a split, or doing a cart-wheel.

Cardio endurance is developed when children engage in short bursts of aerobic activity. During aerobic activity, the heart beats faster and a child breathes harder. Short bursts of activity such as running, jumping, swimming and riding a bike or tricycle help to strengthen the preschooler’s heart.

Improving muscle and bone strength doesn't mean lifting weights. Young children build strength best by lifting their own body weight and doing weight bearing exercises (carry their weight). Playing hopscotch, doing handstands, swinging on monkey bars, climbing and wrestling are great examples of activities that help tone and strengthen muscles.

Printable    Version    (PDF)

Authors of this scholarly work are no longer available.

Please contact Extension's Communication Team for assistance.

 

Also of Interest:

 
Identification and Management of Mormon Crickets
Mormon crickets are flightless, grounddwelling insects native to the western United States. In large numbers, their feeding can contribute to soil erosion, poor water quality, nutrient depleted soils, and potentially cause damage to range and cropland ecosystems.
 Johnson, W. and Macknet, D. 2006, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
catepillar
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Cabbage Caterpillars
This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing common caterpillar pests on various crops in the cabbage family.
 K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-109
Caterpillar on a leaf
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Cabbage Caterpillars
This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing common caterpillar pests on various crops in the cabbage family.
 K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Earwigs
This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing earwigs in Nevada.
 K. Burls, W.Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-108
Earwig on dead daffodil
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Earwigs
This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing earwigs in Nevada.
 K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno