Why exercise?

Some general facts and figures and why we should all be skipping!

  

• Children on average spend nearly 3 hours a day watching TV

• Very few children and teens, aged 12 to 21 regularly exercise

• More than 15% of all school children are considered overweight

• Overweight teens have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults

• 85% of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are either overweight or obese

• Sleep apnea occurs in approximately 7% of the children who are obese

 

 

 

 

 

Get the entire family moving

It is generally perceived that participation in all types of physical activity declines dramatically as a child's age increases, so it is important that physical activity be a part of regular family life. Studies have shown that lifestyles learned as children are much more likely to stay with a person into adulthood. If sports and physical activities are a family priority, they will provide children and parents with a strong foundation for a lifetime of health.

 

Benefits to the body

• builds and maintains healthy bones, joints and muscles

• controls weight and body fat

• improves appearance

• increases muscle strength, endurance and flexibility

• improves ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well

• reduces risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease later in life

• builds and improves athletic skills

• boosts neurological pathways, improving hand:eye coordination for example

 

Mental Benefits

• increases enthusiasm and optimism

• collaboration encourages team work and friendship

• boosts self-esteem

• reduced anxiety, tension and depression