Stretching Exercise for Toddlers

Collin's Fruit Snack Stretches

Exercise is an essential and inescapable ingredient of a healthy lifestyle for both children and adults. The American Heart Association recommends that all children age two and older engage in at least thirty minutes of moderate-intensity activities (cover-speak for exercise) each day, and vigorous exercise three to four times per week. Parents often do not think that toddlers, already naturally active, need the benefits of exercise. But both the AHA and the American Academy of Pediatrics stress that exercise aids in controlling weight, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of diabetes, raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and promoting mental health.

Teaching about exercise in the toddler years will make it an every day routine, just like brushing teeth and taking a bath. The important thing is to keep it fun and enjoyable. There are numerous toddler-friendly exercise videos and games available featuring favorite characters from Sesame Street, Barney, and others. Before beginning an exercise, though, it is important to first stretch. The AAP reports that stretching out muscles before physical activity warms them up and helps protect against injury. Stretching also makes the muscles and joints more flexible.

To make stretching a part of your toddler’s exercise routine, read this story out loud and help him or her follow Collin as he stretches for his favorite fruit snacks.

- Collin asked his mother if he could have some fruit snacks. She said, “Yes, you may.” He thought he was tall enough to get the snacks from the cabinet. He was just able to reach the bottom of the cabinet door and open it. The fruit snacks were pushed to the back of the shelf!

- Collin looked up at the snacks, then down at the floor. It looked like a long way! He looked up at the snacks, then down at the floor. He thought if he stood as tall as he could, maybe he could reach the box.