The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 60 minutes of exercise per day for children and adolescents. Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy childhood as it promotes:
- A healthy cardiovascular system (heart and lungs)
- Stronger bones, muscles and joints
- Better balance and posture
- Healthy growth and development
- The opportunity to meet new friends and practice social skills
- Improved concentration at school
- Reduced blood sugar levels which can reduce a person’s risk of developing diabetes
- A healthy weight range
- A better working memory and the ability to stay focused [from NYT]
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be fun family activity. Bike riding, climbing, kite flying at the park and hiking are all great family activities for the weekend.
Before you start exercising don’t forget to:
- Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses when outside in warm weather
- Don’t forget to apply mosquito repellant, see our review of mosquito repellants here
- Include a warm up and cool down as part of each activity session
- Drink water before, and after activities – and have water breaks during activities
- Use the right size of protective equipment – helmet, knee pads, wrist guards
- Start at a level that matches you or your child’s current fitness level. Too much too soon can result in injury. Always play it safe.
We have asked around online and found some recommended activities for kids in and around Kuala Lumpur.
Basketball
- YMCA Kuala Lumpur
Climbing
- Camp 5 Rock Climbing 1Utama
Dance
- Agape Music and Ballet School in Puchong
- Baby Steps Dance Studio Mont Kiara
- Casa do Capoeira Brazilian dance in Plaza Damas
- Caterpillar Dance Classes in Sri Hartamas
- YMCA Kuala Lumpur
Fencing
- Blade Fencing Publika
- Z Fencing at Bangsar Shopping Centre
Football & Rugby
- KL Tigers Rugby Club on Facebook
- KL Saracens Rugby Club Website
Gymnastics
- FlyKidz Gymnastics Multiple locations
Indoor Play Gyms
- Gymboree Play and Music Multiple locations
- The Little Gym Malaysia Multiple locations
- KizSports Malaysia Multiple locations
Martial Arts
- Sfer Choi Kwang Do Martial Arts and Fitness Centre
- YMCA Kuala Lumpur
- Xtreme Martial Arts Located in Plaza Damas
Tennis
- Monster Tennis Solaris Dutamas
- YMCA Kuala Lumpur
Scuba Diving
- Global Scuba Scuba Diving Lessons, office in 1Utama Shopping Centre
Skating
- Sunway Pyramid Ice Skating
- Skateline Skating Petaling Jaya
Soccer
- Erika Peres Soccer Multiple locations
- International Soccer Camp Mont Kiara
- Little Kickers
- Little League Malaysia
- The Goal Academy Training in Kuala Lumpur
Swimming
- Albert 019 312 5667 – Will go to your swimming pool in and around Kuala Lumpur.
Help us extend our list, what physical activities for kids (2-17) and families can you recommend? Use the comments section below this blog to list your recommendations.
See our Kid’s Activities page for more activities in the region.
Maree has over five years of experience in Occupational Health and Safety and in the development of safety standards, training workshops and improvement initiatives. She is passionate about health, safety and education. Maree, a mother of two children, has a Advanced Diploma in OHS and will be graduating soon with a B.Sc. (HSE) from Australia.
