When you think of ‘getting fit’, most people will picture a gym or at least some exercise equipment, but the most important thing to remember is just to move more. Be more active. That includes lots of things that children love to do anyway, such as throwing a ball or a frisbee, going for a walk, playing football, or playing in the park. If you all join in together it can make it much more fun and maybe dress the kids up for the occasion with their own Junior Football Kits from services such as www.kitking.co.uk.
The sooner someone gets into good habits regarding their health, the better it will be for their long term physical shape.
A stronger heart
The heart responds to exercise like any other muscle, becoming stronger. Keeping it in good shape can help prevent heart disease. Lungs can also benefit from exercise and activity as work increases their capacity, getting more oxygen around the body. Arteries and veins are kept clear, and the flexibility of the blood vessel walls improves.
Weight control
Today’s sedentary lifestyles, and the tendency to spend our leisure time in front of a screen of some sort, leads to a higher risk of taking in more calories than we need. Unused calories are stored as fat.
Bone strength
Bones can increase in strength when put under the right physical pressure, just as muscles grow when worked. Broken bones are more often a sign of an adventurous nature in children, but making them as durable as possible can only be a good thing.
More Energy
In a self-fulfilling cycle, regular exercise makes people feel more energetic, with more inclination to exercise more. Set the scene now for an active lifestyle into adulthood.
Emotional benefits
Our mental health is more closely linked to our physical wellbeing than many realise, but lots of us report feeling calmer and ‘better’ after exercise, thanks to the endorphins that activity releases.
For more information on why it’s important to encourage your children to be more active, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you have the space, or you don’t have a playground nearby, you could consider investing in some play equipment of your own.
Whatever you choose to do, it’s easier and more fun to do it with others, so head outside with the children for some active fun.