Why it is important for children to exercise?

Kids need exercise. We know that, everyone keeps going on about it. But what exactly does this mean?

In this series of blogs we will be looking at why it is **important for children to exercise** and what type of exercise is best for them.

Modern life is not particularly ‘health-friendly’. Fast food is tasty, cheap, and very handy in our busy working lives. Computer games are the norm. Sleep patterns aren’t always great. My great-grandfather had to walk 5 miles to school, so apart from not having time to lounge around on the couch, he got his daily exercise and more. He also had no access to sweets or computer games. Now no one is suggesting we should make all our children start walking those distances again, but the point is society has changed- and so with it has our lifestyle, occasionally for the worse.

Children require exercise to develop properly. Their bodies are changing constantly and so they need to help their muscles, joints, bones grow. For joints to become stable- they need to be challenged (safely of course). Our hips need to move in all directions to keep their health. Our shoulders need to do more than be used to raise our hand in class. For healthy bones, we need to jump- the impact will help them develop properly. Even our vestibular system requires exercise to develop properly. Being upside down isn’t just fun (for some ;) ) it has been proven to be linked to better concentration and school performance in children. Hand-eye coordination isn’t just about being able to catch a ball. Putting pen to paper, tying your shoe laces, picking up a glass of water… all these require some degree of subconscious control, all learnt by practicing throwing, jumping, twisting and so on.

We know that children learn languages faster than adults. Well it’s the same for sports and movement. They usually have less fear and think less about the movement they are trying to learn. They generally want to please. If their friends are doing something, they will want to do the same.

There are so many things our children can learn from all different kinds of exercise, it is so important for them to pick up these life skills and good habits early to give them the best chance at a healthy lifestyle.

Next time, we will be looking at why exercise is also good for their self-esteem and confidence.

If you would like to know more about our **kids’ Exercise classes**, please email me, Coach Anne-Lise, at info@liftoffcrossfit.com.