Better Health & Living: Article: Cheap Thrills Get Kids Moving

Issue: September 2008

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Cheap Thrills Get Kids Moving

by Sarí Harrar

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Think fancy jungle gyms and swings are best for enticing kids to move? When University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers measured the activity levels of kids at 20 child-care centers across the state, they found that those at centers equipped with lots of low-tech, low-cost stuff such as balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, and ride-on toys got more exercise than those at centers where the play options were mostly climbing structures, swings, and balance beams.

Kids with access to hands-on, active toys—combined with staff members trained to promote active fun—got about 80 more minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week and had 140 fewer minutes of sedentary activity per week.

That’s good news for parents who don’t have the room or the cash for pricey outdoor play sets at home. “Parents buying toys and games for children might consider stocking up on jump ropes and hula hoops,” notes study coauthor Dianne Ward, PhD, of the university’s School of Public Health. “And for their own health, they should get outside with their children and run, jump, and play, too.”