There is no doubt that exercise is critical for maintaining your health, and this is true whether you are four or 40 years old. Many of today’s gyms and fitness centers are designed for adult patrons, who can jog on indoor tracks, lift weights, use stationary bikes, take martial arts classes, and more. But what about children? They need exercise, and without it, their growth and development is actually impaired to a serious degree, including mentally. Many studies and surveys are done each year to track how much exercise a person needs, and see how often American do exercise. Many kids can get enough exercise when they join sports teams or go to outdoor playgrounds, but whenever that is not an option, commercial indoor jungle gyms can help out. Kids indoor play structures are everywhere, and these indoor playgrounds can be convenient for parents who are on a shopping trip or other outing.
Children and Exercise
Many studies and trends can confirm why parents should be diligent about giving their kids enough exercise. The American Heart Association, for example, has recommended that all children over the age of two get one hour or more of moderate exercise per day. Other studies say that children who do not get enough exercise and gross motor activity may suffer limitations on their brain’s power and development. What is more, active children tend to grow up into active adolescents and active adults; in short, a healthy and active lifestyle can be a lifelong commitment, and with all kinds of benefits.
How do children measure up to these standards? American children today often fall short, but fortunately, any parent can take the steps needed to catch up. Two in three parents are concerned that their kids are spending too much time on electronic screens, and today’s national childhood obesity rate sits at 18.5% or so. Just under one in three children are meeting the Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s standards of “healthy to an active level,” which is 25 minutes of intense exercise three times per week. Sports, and playing with other children at an outdoor park, are great ways to get out of the house and meet those exercise quotas, and commercial indoor playgrounds are a fine alternative during bad weather or if the nearest park is too far away.
Visiting Commercial Indoor Jungle Gyms
A commercial indoor jungle gym is exactly that: playground equipment made of metal and plastic found indoors that kids can use during any weather. These playgrounds are also a great way to keep kids occupied (and burning calories) while their parents or guardians are busy with something else, especially during activities the kid should not be involved in. For example, many shopping malls today have these commercial indoor jungle gyms in them, which may have low walls around them to separate the kids from general foot traffic. Such playgrounds may have benches too, where responsible adults can monitor things. Many fast food restaurants often have these indoor play areas as well, not to mention arcades. Those commercial indoor jungle gyms may feature ball pits, plastic slides and tubes, climbable surfaces, and more. In the case of fast food restaurants, though, parents are urged to get their kids’ hands washed right after using the pay equipment.
A regular fitness center or gym may also have these indoor playgrounds for kids. The equipment and classes there are meant for adult patrons, and if the parents don’t want to leave their kids at home, they can bring their children along and drop them off at the fitness center’s child-friendly area. This may be a large room with kid-sized sports balls, small jungle gym assemblies, a basketball hoop, and whatever else that fitness center may provide. This is a safe and fun way for the patrons’ kids to get exercise and stay occupied while their parents are busy. Finally, many preschools and houses of worship, such as typical churches and synagogues, may have an commercial indoor jungle gym (and an outdoor one) available during childcare services. Outdoor play areas tend to be fenced off, for safety’s sake.
