Children Diagnosed with ADHD vs Exercise

Exercise is a great way for children with ADHD to improve their focus, attention, and self-control. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress, and improve sleep.

What type of exercise is best for children with ADHD?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best type of exercise will vary depending on the child's individual interests and needs. However, some general guidelines include:

• Choose activities that are aerobic and involve gross motor skills. Aerobic exercise gets the heart rate up and helps to improve circulation. Gross motor skills involve large muscle movements, such as running, jumping, and climbing.

• Choose activities that are fun and engaging. Children are more likely to stick with an activity if they enjoy it.

• Break up long periods of exercise into shorter intervals. Children with ADHD may have difficulty focusing for long periods of time, so it is helpful to break up exercise into shorter, more manageable chunks.

• Make exercise a family affair. Children are more likely to be active if they see their parents and siblings being active as well.

Here are some specific examples of exercises that can be beneficial for children with ADHD:

• Running

• Swimming

• Biking

• Dancing

• Martial arts

• Yoga

• Tumbling

• Hiking

• Jumping rope

• Playing tag

• Playing basketball

• Playing soccer

How much exercise do children with ADHD need?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. However, for children with ADHD, even shorter periods of exercise can be beneficial. A study published in the journal "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" found that children with ADHD who exercised for just 20 minutes a day showed improvements in their attention and behavior.

How can I help my child get more exercise?

Here are some tips for helping your child get more exercise:

• Make it a family affair. Encourage your whole family to be active.

• Find activities that your child enjoys. If your child doesn't like running, don't force them to do it. There are many other ways to get exercise.

• Make exercise fun. Play games, listen to music, or find other ways to make exercise more enjoyable.

• Set realistic goals. Don't expect your child to go from being sedentary to exercising for an hour a day overnight. Start with small goals, such as walking for 10 minutes a day, and gradually increase the amount of exercise over time.

• Be patient. It takes time for children to develop healthy exercise habits. Don't get discouraged if your child doesn't start exercising right away. Just keep encouraging them, and eventually they will get there.

If you have any concerns about your child's exercise habits, talk to their doctor. They can help you develop a plan that is right for your child.