Toronto Indoor Playground - Promoting Healthy Lifestyle

Is my child getting enough exercise? If you have asked yourself this question, you are not alone. A lot of parents who visit our Toronto indoor playground worry about their child’s wellbeing and whether enough is being done to encourage healthy habits. As parents, we want the best for our children, striving to lay down foundations that will lead to healthy patterns well into adulthood.

Does my kid get enough exercise?

Recent studies show that approximately 3 out of 4 children do not get enough exercise on a daily basis. The recommended amount is 1 hour of activity a day.

Who is responsible?

There are several factors that can define a child’s exercise routine: school curriculum, social circles, extracurricular activities, and at-home routines are all major elements. Check that your child’s school sets aside sufficient time for recess and activities like track-and-field. Who your child forms friendships with can also have an impact. Does your child play outside with friends or do they sit around playing video games? As a parent, you have the most control over what happens in the household. Is family time spent being active or sitting around the TV? These are all questions to reflect on when determining how to increase healthy habits.

Did you know?

• 3 out of 4 parents consider TV time to be family time.
• Out of that group, approximately half spend an hour or more playing video games or computer games with their kids on a weekly basis.
• About 40% of parents do not have extracurricular activities for their child.
• 1 out of 3 parents surveyed believe there is not enough time in the day to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
• The average time a child spends watching TV or being active on social media is 2+ hours every day.

Debunking exercise myths

Physical activity does not have to be strenuous. Fun pastimes such as dancing, tag, sports, and even walking in the park or visiting your favourite Toronto indoor playground counts as exercise. As long as your little one is up and moving, their body is getting the workout it needs.   

For more info on the benefits of exercise, read our previous blog: Indoor Playground in Toronto Makes Exercising Easy.