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The pandemic has not just affected the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of adults.

According to studies, children are as much as vulnerable to feeling distressed, bored, and unmotivated due to the massive routine disruption caused by the lockdown measures to curb the spread of the virus.

If you think about it, young ones, unlike adults, don't have many options to break the doldrums even once in a while as they are stuck at home 24/7 as schools, parks, and leisure spots remain off-limits to children.

A study posted at the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health website said that the pandemic “may continue to have increased long term adverse consequences on children and adolescents” compared to adults.

One way to help children cope is by introducing exercise activities into their routine.

Experts agree that exercise, aside from improving physical and mental well-being, enhances cognitive function - improves memory, concentration, behavior, and academic achievement.

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For starters, parents can find home exercise videos through the internet.

Milo, the chocolate malt beverage, for one, has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to come up with a six-minute instructional video on YouTube dubbed 'Milo Champion Habit' designed for kids seven to 13 years old.

Volleyball star Alyssa Valdez and taekwondo national athlete Japoy Lizardo star in the instructional videos.

“In terms of short-term benefits, children will get to enhance their metabolism, sleep, and attention because their source of energy mostly relies on movement,” said Revin Santos, assistant professor at University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics and Exercise Physiologist, on the benefits of exercise on youngsters.

“Aside from that, they will get to improve their coordination, reaction time, and balance, which are movement patterns that will sharpen their skills in various activities.”

The good thing about home exercises is that children can do them any time within the day.

To make it more fun, parents can join their kids to further encourage them to do physical activities.

“In terms of skill, children would be more confident in trying or doing movements, activities, and sports. Another significant milestone is their child's appreciation and understanding on the role of exercise in enhancing performance and maintaining long-term health and fitness,” said Revin.

Here are some tips to help parents encourage their kids to get moving while at home:

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Make them understand

Get kids to understand the value and importance of doing physical activities. This will help instill in them early the habit of exercise.

Mix things up

Exercise activities don't have to be monotonous. Doing the same kind of routine will take the fun out, something that you don't want your kids to feel.

One way to keep children involved is by letting them choose the activity that they want to do.

You can substitute activities with another to keep little ones engaged and on their toes.

Bored of push-ups? Why not do running in place exercise or perhaps dance to the tune of your kid's favorite music? Or how about yoga instead of doing jumping jacks - be creative!

Be resourceful

There are a lot of easy-to-follow exercise videos available online.

Make sure to choose the ones appropriate to a child's age so they could easily follow.

Parents can ask their kids to choose the exercise video that they want to emulate to keep them involved.

Devote time

Consistency is key so make sure to devote time for daily exercise activities with kids.

While it is advisable to get 60 minutes of exercise, a few minutes would still count just as long as it's done with regularity.

The objective is to include exercise into a child's daily routine to keep them busy and healthy. It's also a great way for parents to spend time with their kids.