There’s no wrong time to start healthy habits. The earlier, the better. And when it comes to kids, helping them fall in love with movement early sets them up for a lifetime of feeling strong, confident, and capable.
Children have a special opportunity to build healthy habits while they’re young, habits that can stick with them for life. Getting kids moving early doesn’t just help them build strength and coordination. It also lays the foundation for better long-term health.
Why Early Fitness Habits Matter
When kids grow up with regular movement as part of their routine, it becomes something familiar and natural. It’s much harder to break years of inactivity later than it is to grow up knowing that staying active is part of everyday life.
Physical activity in childhood comes with big benefits. It improves heart health, strengthens bones and muscles, and lowers the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. One large review of studies found clear connections between physical activity and better cardiovascular fitness, stronger bones, and healthier body composition in kids and teens. These are benefits that carry over into adulthood (Poitras et al., 2016).
And this isn’t about chasing a number on a scale or future athletic awards. It’s about helping kids feel strong, capable, and confident in their own bodies.
Movement Helps the Mind Too
The benefits of regular movement aren’t just physical. Active kids tend to sleep better, handle emotions more smoothly, and focus better in school. Research shows that fitness programs for youth improve self-esteem, attention, and school performance.
Just like adults, kids feel better when they move. Exercise gives them a healthy way to release stress, lift their mood, and build confidence in other areas of life.
Easy Ways to Keep Your Child Active This Summer
If you’re looking for fun, low-pressure ways to help your child stay active, we’ve got you covered. These programs are designed to keep fitness fun, positive, and approachable.
Lifting for Girls Summer Camp (Grades 6–9)
From August 4–7, this four-day camp welcomes girls in grades 6 to 9 who want to learn how to lift weights safely and confidently. Whether your child is new to strength training or wants to build skills, this program offers a supportive space to learn and grow stronger.
Early Elementary Weekend FUN (Grades K–2)
This ongoing weekend program introduces kids in grades K–2 to the fun of movement through games and group activities. It’s a great way for little ones to stay active, laugh, and move alongside their peers. All skill levels and abilities are welcome.
Join Us at Swift River CrossFit
Helping your child build a healthy, positive relationship with movement is one of the best gifts you can give them. Regular activity supports physical health, boosts mood, and builds confidence. And the earlier these habits start, the more likely they’ll stick. This summer’s a great time to get moving with Swift River CrossFit. Whether through a short camp, a weekend program, or a few extra backyard games, every little bit of movement makes a difference.
References
Poitras, V. J., Gray, C. E., Borghese, M. M., Carson, V., Chaput, J. P., Janssen, I., Katzmarzyk, P. T., Pate, R. R., & Tremblay, M. S. (2016). Systematic review of the relationships between objectively measured physical activity and health indicators in school-aged children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 13(1), 40. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27306431/
.png)
.png)
