Getting Kids Exercising!!

Childhood Obesity has never been so high. With the huge variety of sugary sweets drinks and foods, coupled with the fact there is generally a fast food chain on nearly every street corner, it’s no wonder why.

However, there are ways to beat this epidemic. One is obviously cleaning up our children’s diets, but the one under the microscope in this article is by increasing their exercise levels.

So what are the benefits of Exercise for young people?

• A stronger immune system. The body can fight disease better. Colds are less common, and it can help reduce the chance of allergies, and diseases such as cancer.
• A reduction of type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity.
• A lower blood pressure.
• Improvement in cholesterol levels.
• A strengthening of the entire cardiovascular system, including the heart and lungs where the child’s heart and lungs are strengthened, helping the prevention of heart disease.
• Children are less likely to become overweight and will have better control of their body fat.
• Development of stronger bone and muscle structure.

Active children enjoy additional health benefits, because:

• Exercise increases the blood flow around the body, including to the brain. Greater blood flow transports more oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells.
• Due to the increased oxygen in their body’s cells the will then feel more energised. More oxygen = more energy.
• Active children will breathe easier and sweat more. Breathing and sweating help to detoxify the body.
• An increase in their over-all fitness through exercise.

Exercise helps Mental Health

Another big reason children should participate in physical exercise is due to the fact it has been proven to help with mental illness. Here are a few reasons why……

• Exercise enhances the brain’s metabolism. Active children have improved memory due to better and more efficient functioning of the brain.
• Higher concentration levels
• Decreases anxiety
• Reduces depression
• Improves mood
• Quality of sleep improves

Perhaps the most important aspect of a child exercising is the benefit of helping to develop self-esteem and confidence. It helps their ability to overcome challenging situations and can promote a happier outlook on life in general. A stronger sense of organisation can also lead to great leadership skills as they age and develop as people.

So, let’s try and get our children more active. Switch off the PlayStation or Xbox and encourage them to get outdoors and enjoy the ability to exercise in a safe and fun way.