As modern technology has taken over the world, we are noticing that children are spending more time in front of a screen than they are playing outdoors or doing physical activity. This has caused a major increase in childhood obesity over the last few years.
According the Heart and Stroke foundation of South Africa, at least 14.2% of primary school children are overweight. If these figures continue to rise there will be at least 3.91 million overweight or obese school children in South Africa in 2025. These figures are due to energy dense foods, increase in screen time as well sedentary lifestyles. These are all aspects of a child’s lifestyle that we assist in them changing.
There are many benefits of exercising when it comes to children but the main ones are:
Not only are there many health benefits of children exercising but it also a great way to build a child’s character, teaches them about teamwork, setting goals, meeting new challenges and developing sportsmanship which all helps them become mature respectful adults. Some children might find team sports or activities uninteresting and that’s fine but that should not stop them from becoming involved in physical activity all together. There are many ways of becoming active that does not involve team sports
Another amazing aspect of children exercising is that it can help children who are suffering with depression and behavioural disorders. We are noticing more and more children suffering with anxiety and depression than ever before. Exercise can help them build confidence in themselves, relieve some anxiety and it aids in releasing hormones that make you feel better.
