Young and able individuals from ages 5 – 18 should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity a day across the week according to the NHS.
The sad fact is this often isn’t the case.
Similarly, according to the Office for National Statistics, one in eight British households have no garden. When you think about the number of children this may be affecting, you can understand how difficult it can be for children to have their 60-minutes of exercise as required.
Not only does exercise keep children physically healthy, improve cardiovascular health and strengthen muscles and bones, it also improves mental-wellbeing and enhances academic focus, boosting classroom performance and setting them up with a healthy relationship with exercise.
Implementing more physical activity whilst in the school gates can help to build these healthy habits and allows ALL children to have equal access to exercise. But how can you bring these opportunities in?
- Outdoor/Active Lessons
Outdoor learning offers a calming, sensory-rich environment that helps to boost confidence and promotes better teamwork. Try using playground markings to run maths lessons or turn spelling practice into physical actions.
- Encourage Breaks Outdoors
With the technology available these days, young individuals are becoming increasingly reliant on screens in down-time. Break this habit and get your class outside in their breaktimes to assist them in making friendships and getting some exercise.
- Run Friendly Competitions
Carrying out challenges such as the Daily Mile Race or an Obstacle Course creates friendly competition between peers. Offering a prize for the winner will boost participation and generates excitement around physical exercise.
- Invest in Permanent Equipment
Adding new equipment to your outdoor play provision is the best way to build excitement and encouragement when it comes to physical activity.
Outdoor Fitness equipment is a great way to introduce young individuals to gym-type apparatus. Whether they are primary or secondary age groups, there are hundreds of unit types and combinations that can be developed best for your needs. Outdoor gym spaces can be beneficial as they help to develop balance, coordination ad physical attributes in their users.
Outdoor fitness is a low maintenance, cost effective and low carbon footprint option for your school or facility.
Contact our knowledgeable projects team today to start the conversation about a tailored Outdoor Fitness set-up for your facility.
With many young people lacking access to safe outdoor spaces at home, schools play a vital role in bridging the gap. By creating inclusive environments that encourage movement, schools can help every child build healthy habits and develop a lifelong positive relationship with physical activity.
