Did you know that the recommended amount of exercise for children over the age of two is at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every day?
It's important that a child takes part in the recommended amount of exercise for several reasons:

·       Improved overall health
·       Healthy growth and development
·       Improved muscular strength, endurance and flexibility
·       Maintenance of energy balance (in order to encourage a healthy weight)
·       Reduced risk of developing adult diseases and conditions such as cancer, diabetes & high blood pressure
·       A sense of wellbeing
·       Enhanced self-esteem
·       Reduction in anxiety and stress
·       Opportunities for social interaction
·       Improved social and moral development
·       Improved cognitive functioning and academic achievement in school.
 
The 60 minutes of exercise does not have to be completed in one go. It can be broken down into smaller segments of exercise such as three 20 minute segments. The segments of exercise do not always need to be structured but it is good to have a mixture of structured i.e. PE lessons or sports clubs and unstructured activities such as walking to school or running around the playground.   
 
For more information on choosing the right activity for your child, you can visit the Clubs & Classes Section of our Family Directory. Also, why not read our article on The Benefits of Clubs and Classes for Children. And, don't forget to check out our What's On Calendar for all sporting events taking place across the area. 

 
Source Material: www.healthyschools.gov.uk/Theme-Physical-Activity.aspx