Competitive sports provide a wonderful opportunity for children to be physically active. That's a notable benefit and one that could help to confront a growing problem of overweight and obesity among modern youths.

Data from the World Health Organization indicates that 37 million children under the age of five were overweight in 2022, while more than 390 million youngsters between the ages of five and 19 were overweight or obese in that same year. In addition, the percentage of children and adolescents across the globe who qualified as obese in 2022 had grown considerably since 1990, increasing from 2 to 5 percent during that span.

Sports can definitely help to remedy the overweight and obesity epidemic among youths across the globe, but what about children who are not into competitive athletics? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all children and adolescents, including non-athletes, get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. That might sound difficult for parents of non-athletes, but there are a number of physical activities beyond organized athletics that can ensure kids get all the exercise they need.

· Dancing: The National Institutes of Health notes that dancing is both an exciting and effective workout that benefits the body in myriad ways. Dancing is a versatile form of exercise that encompasses everything from ballroom dancing to salsa. The NIH notes that dancing is a great cardiovascular exercise that also helps to build strong bones and muscles and improve balance. Dancing also is a social activity, which means it can provide many of the same benefits related to social interactions that are often attributed to team sports.

· Hiking: Hiking is another physical activity that can provide great exercise for youngsters who are not into competitive sports. According to Piedmont Health, hiking is a whole-body exercise that gets the heart pumping, making it a wonderful cardiovascular activity. Cardiovascular exercise has been linked to several benefits, including a lower risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol. Hiking also is considered a weight-bearing exercise that helps to build muscle mass.

· Skateboarding: Skateboarding has come a long way since modern parents were children. Though skateboarding might once have been frowned upon due to skateboarders' penchant for practicing in off-limits places, the perception of skateboarding has now changed dramatically and the activity is touted as great exercise. A 2018 study published in the journal Gait & Posture found that skateboarding helps participants develop a strong sense of balance. The motions required to ride a skateboard also help to increase heart rate, which can provide a boost to cardiovascular health.

· Cycling: Many young children love riding their bikes, and it's worth noting that an afternoon of cycling provides an incredible full-body workout. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that the health benefits associated with cycling include improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger muscles, greater coordination and general mobility, and reduced body fat. Cycling also has been linked to improved mental health, as riding a bike releases feel-good endorphins that can reduce stress.

Children and adolescents who are not into competitive sports can choose from an array of physical activities that provide a host of health benefits.