Significance

• The obesity rates among children keep climbing higher and higher because of less physical activity. Children are spending countless hours watching TV or playing video games, and quickly dwindling in physical activity and performance levels. There are many simple games children can play that can be the difference between raising a fit or a severely obese kid. In developing muscles in children, it is important to understand how much activity and what kinds of activities are appropriate, so you can develop strong muscles and bones without overworking the child.
  
  

How Much?

• Before determining what kids will do on a daily basis it is important to keep in mind how much physical activity is ideal for a child. Children 2 years and older should perform at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activities each day to not only encourage motor development, but to prevent them from gaining unnecessary weight that will carry into their older years. Children should not be allowed to be inactive for periods longer than two hours unless they are sleeping.
  
  

Monkey Bars

• Monkey bars are the heart of the playground. They are one of the best muscle development games that children can perform and enjoy at the same time. Monkey bars incorporate a lot of pulling motions, which develop back, bicep and shoulder muscles. With the lateral swinging, they also develop chest muscles, which are essential for maintaining a proper posture. Monkey bars also engage the abdominal muscles, which when developed help maintain a strong core. While monkey bars are a great exercise equipment, parents or an adult chaperone should always accompany children (especially younger children) and keep a close eye on them to help prevent playground accidents.
  
  

Indoor Rock Climbing

• A children's indoor rock climbing wall is a great activity for children to help build muscle and keep them in shape. Indoor rock climbing is an activity that naturally builds muscles and keeps children both challenged and excited in the process. It builds a variety of muscles because it engages the whole body in physical activity. It focuses on the arms, shoulders and back muscles, as well as develops quads, hamstring and calf muscles as they pull themselves up.
  
  

Tag

• Tag is one of those silly games that children play from time to time that can prove to be excellent exercise. It is an essentially wonderful game, because it not only helps improve heart development and increase endurance, but it also tones up leg muscles. Additionally, it develops strong bones, which is important for muscle building. The great thing about tag is that many children can play at the same time and break a sweat while still having a blast.