By the time they're 4 and 5 years old, kids have mastered basic movement skills like running and jumping, and have plenty of energy to put them to good use.

Now they'll continue to refine these skills and build on them to learn more complex ones.

Take advantage of your child's natural tendency to be active. Staying fit can help improve kids' self-esteem and decrease the risk of serious illnesses later in life.

Fitness for Preschoolers

The National Association of Sports and Physical Education recommends that every day preschoolers should:

• get at least 60 minutes of structured physical activity (adult-led activity)
• get at least 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity (free play)
• not be inactive for more than 1 hour at a time (unless sleeping)

It's important to understand what preschoolers can handle. They should participate in fun and challenging activities that help build skills and coordination but aren't beyond their abilities.

Kids this age are learning to hop, skip, and jump forward, and are eager to show off how they can balance on one foot (for 5 seconds or longer), catch a ball, or do a somersault. Preschoolers might also enjoy swimming, hiking, dancing, and riding a tricycle or bicycle with training wheels.

Many parents look to organized sports to get preschoolers active. But the average 4- or 5-year-old has not mastered even the basics, such as throwing, catching, and taking turns. Even simple rules may be hard for them to understand, as any parent who has watched their child run the wrong way during a game knows.

And starting too young can be frustrating for kids and may discourage future participation in sports. So if you decide to sign your preschooler up for soccer or another team sport, be sure to choose a peewee league that emphasizes the fundamentals.

No matter what the sport or activity, remember that fitness should be fun. If your child isn't having fun, ask why and try to address the issue or find another activity.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/fitness/fitness_4_5.html

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