Exercise and fitness for children
4 Sep
Exercise, along with diet, is a fundamental principle for healthy living. However, over the course of the last decade, children have lessened in their undertaking of exercise and, as a result, more and more children are gaining weight and experiencing poor health.
Why is exercise important?
Exercise is important for a number of reasons, including a range of health benefits:
- Increased muscle strength and tone
- Improved circulation
- Improved flexibility
- Reduced risk of obesity
- Improved general health (exercise helps to keep the heart and other organs healthy and fit)
- Development of physical fitness and strength
- Improved bone strength
As well as important physiological health benefits, there are other important benefits of exercise:
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Reduced anxiety
- Reduced stress levels
- Sense of achievement
- Social opportunities – the chance to meet new friends and spend time with other children
- Important life lessons – sport has many important life-lessons, such as playing by the rules, working as a team, leadership, learning to lose gracefully and being a good sport
- Positive way to release energy and frustration or anger
How much exercise should my child be doing?
The Department of Health recommends 60 minutes of moderate exercise per day for children. This does not necessarily have to include sports lessons, as it can also include going to the park, walking the dog and playing in the garden. The 60 minutes do not have to be completed in one go. This is a daily guideline so a child may run around for 15 minutes at break, play football for half an hour and them come home and play in the garden for 15 minutes.
Activities and sports for children
There is now huge scope for children in terms of sport and leisure activities. Facilities have improved over the years and many communities now have their own sports teams and children’s sessions at the local swimming pool, as well as a number of different clubs and classes. Children can now participate in everything from football and tennis to judo and salsa dancing. If you want to find out about local sports facilities, use an online search engine, ask around or look out for adverts at schools and local shops.
