The importance of keeping children active

The importance of keeping children active

Keeping your child active and participating in sport is crucial to their health and happiness but it has also become one of a parent’s biggest challenges. 

In a time when British children are among the least active in the world and fitness levels are rapidly decreasing - is keeping your child fit still considered important? 

Here at The Shrewsbury Club, we believe your child’s fitness is a main priority and to help maintain activity in your child’s everyday life, we provide the Family Activity Programme.

 

The physical benefits of exercise 

It’s common knowledge that a lack of exercise often leads to weight gain and because children are still in the growing stages of their life, they’re even more prone to gaining it than adults. Recent research states that 32.4% of girls and 36.1% of boys are overweight by the time they leave primary school. [1] 

Encouraging children to stay active dramatically decreases their chances of gaining weight; making them less likely to develop diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Having an active lifestyle also benefits your child’s muscles and bones – not only helping with their general health, but also reducing the risk of injuries or associated diseases. 

Keeping children healthy obviously takes priority for all parents but it can be difficult to find sports for babies and toddlers to take part in. 

The Shrewsbury Club provides classes for children as young as two thanks to our Tots Activities sessions. For example, our Tots Tennis lessons encourage activity as well as teaching balance, co-ordination and basic tennis skills.

 

The mental benefits of exercise

Along with the physical benefits of keeping children active, there are also numerous mental benefits. A survey found that only 15% of those aged between 11 and 15 participate in the recommended amount of daily exercise. [2] 

These findings are a concern because physical activity can release endorphins which are responsible for boosting moods and reducing stress. Statistics also show that people under the age of 18 who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer with stress, depression and dementia. 

Taking part in team sports and remaining active can also encourage children to cope better in social situations and improve their social skills. This is something The Shrewsbury Club incorporates in our Key Stage 1 and 2 Jiu Jitsu classes which teach confidence and respect for yourself and others through ancient Japanese culture. 

 

Staying active

Remaining active doesn’t simply stop when you finish primary school. At The Shrewsbury Club, we offer more high intensity workouts for teenagers aged 11-15 where they can participate in cardio and have access to our gym if their parent is a member. 

There is also the option to encourage your child even further by joining in yourself! We provide family gym sessions and workouts to make exercise a more sociable experience - even if you’re not participating in a team sport. 

 

If you would like to know more about our Family Activity Programme, please give us a call for more information on 01743 467 755 or email Emma at: [email protected]