Exercising our bodies helps us to learn to move naturally and express our feelings as well as get fit!
What do you think about when someone mentions the word EXERCISE? What do your children think about?
For children, exercise means playing, having fun and being physically active, or at least it should do!
In England in 1990, it was estimated by Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey that 29% of men and 28% of woman aged 16-74 (equivalent to 5,086,000 men and 4,955,600 woman) were leading a sedentary lifestyle. Put that in the blender with unhealthy eating habits and the fact that 90% of the time children copy their parents and we have a recipe for disaster for the future health of our children!
Benefits of Exercise
- Creates stronger muscles and bones
- Develops a leaner body by helping to control body fat
- Be less likely to become overweight
- Decreases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Helps lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
- Develops a better outlook on life
- Helps you gain confidence
- Helps promote sleep
- Helps towards concentration and co-ordination
These are just to name a few... In addition to these health benefits adults and children who are physically fit are better able to handle the physical and emotional challenges that a typical day presents - be it bending down to tie a shoe, or studying for a test or interview.
The 3 Elements of Fitness
Endurance -
Strength -
Flexibility
Most children will use all 3 of these elements when playing but it's becoming a sad fact that more and more children are sitting around a lot more. The average child spends 5-6 hours a day on all media combined (TV, computer etc) according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. (although I think we know that from general experience without doing the research!).
Now how do you feel when I mention the word AEROBICS?
“Aargh!”, I hear you scream! Do you feel like thinking of an excuse fast, bringing back memories of trying to escape P.E at school?...
“Aerobic” just means “with air”. During aerobic exercise, the heart beats faster and a person breathes harder. When done regularly for continuous periods of time, aerobic activity strengthens the heart and improves the body's ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells.
Examples of Aerobic Exercise
Swimming -
Cycling
-
Dancing - Football - Martial Arts -
Skating -
Rugby
-
Walking -
Jogging
-
Tennis/Table tennis
-
Playing 'tag' -
Basketball
Generally sedentary people tend to hold negative views about physical activity. Do any of these reasons for not exercising sound familiar?
- Work reasons
- Don't have time
- Lost interest
- "I'm too big and a little embarrassed"
- "I need to rest and relax in my spare time"
- "I'm not the sporty type"
Look no further...
is about having fun, building your confidence and getting exactly what you want out of the time spent in a Class.
I will work together with you or your child on their own target goals over a time period we are both happy and realistic about.
