While all physical activity is beneficial for kids, running can significantly improve kids’ physical, mental, and personal well-being. Not only can running help them stay fit and healthy, it can also teach kids valuable life lessons and skills that will translate into other areas. From improved self-confidence and discipline to better sleep and more family bonding, here are some of the many benefits of running for kids.
The health benefits of running are tremendous.
Kids who run, or do other regular physical activity, will have stronger muscles and bones and face less risk of becoming overweight or developing type 2 diabetes. They’ll also have lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. Active kids sleep better and more prepared and better equipped to handle emotional and physical challenges they may face.
Kids can establish a life-long exercise habit.
When kids run, especially if they participate in a running program or do it regularly as a family activity, they’ll create a running habit. Starting an exercise habit early in life will have incredible mental and physical health benefits for them, now and hopefully in the future.
Running is one of the few sports that people start as kids and can continue for decades after. With sports such as soccer, football, or baseball, there are limited opportunities for adults to continue playing. Even if they can find leagues or ways to play contact sports, many adults find they can’t safely play those sports without getting seriously injured.
However, with running, there’s less concern about serious injuries and plenty of running clubs, races, and other opportunities for adults to keep participating. By introducing your kids to running, you can start them on a path toward a life-long, healthy, and rewarding habit.
You can run together as a family.
Running is the perfect physical activity for families to do together. It’s easy to learn, not expensive, and you can do it almost anywhere. Whatever age your kids are, you can run or run/walk with them.
Parents with young kids can run with them in the backyard, fields, or trails and paths. They can also play racing and running games for kids with them. With older kids, you can go on longer runs in your neighborhood. You may want to train for and run races, such as a 5K, together.
Being active with your kids offers many opportunities to connect and build memories with them.
Related: Tips for Running With a Jogging Stroller
Running can help kids learn about perseverance.
As with any sport, improvements don’t happen overnight, so running can help kids learn about the power of perseverance and practice. As their stamina and performance improve, they’ll discover that they can stick with something, even when it’s difficult, and succeed.
Running improves mental health.
The mental health benefits of running are tremendous. Running is a great way for kids to get out and explore their environment, improve their ability to concentrate and focus, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Running can be an individual AND team sport.
Running is a great option for kids who don’t care for or have struggled with popular kids’ team sports, such as soccer, baseball, or football.
Although kids’ success with running is individual, they can still run with others and be part of a team. So they can work on their social skills and get all the benefits of team sports, while focusing on their own training and performance.
Running can boost kids’ self-esteem and confidence.
Kids who run regularly will start to see how their performance improves the more they practice, boosting their pride and self-esteem. It will help to increase their confidence levels and develop a sense of mastery over their own bodies.
As they set running goals and achieve them, their self-confidence will improve and carry over to other areas, such as school and social life.
They’ll have some fun!
Last but not least, running can be a great way for kids to have fun and get active. They’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors, learn how to push their physical boundaries, and make friends.
More About Kids and Running
- Kids’ “Marathon” Running Challenge
- Running Shoes for Kids
- Gifts for Active Kids
- Fun Running Challenges for Kids
About the author: Christine Luff is a certified RRCA running coach, kids’ track coach, and an American Council on Exercise certified youth fitness specialist. Her book, Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, is available on Amazon.
