Physical Activity
Since individuals with Down syndrome burn fewer calories at rest than their non-disabled peers, physical activity is a key ingredient of weight management. It’s important for parents to plan activities that accommodate the child’s interests, developmental delays, health status, and physical endurance. Medlen provides specific suggestions for physical activity at various ages.

Some of her recommendations include:

Birth to age 3:
swimming
crawling
climbing
creeping
dancing
walking
Nerf ball games
playing catch
balloon volleyball

Ages 3-5
swimming
dancing
gymnastics
trikes and ride-on toys
indoor playgrounds
swinging and sliding
T-ball
golf
basketball

Ages 5-8
soccer
basketball
tetherball
bowling
badminton
playground play
climbing trees and play structures
riding a bike or trike
hiking
horseback riding
dancing or ballet
yoga or gymnastics
swimming

Ages 9-12
activities listed above for ages 5-8
jogging
aerobics
weight lifting
roller blading or skating
Tae kwon do
jumping rope
tennis
Special Olympic activities
snow skiing
chores such as vacuuming, raking, or shoveling