Why be active?
Running, walking, jumping, skipping, netball, basketball, football…. Being active comes in all different shapes and sizes, which means there is more than one way to be active! Kids love being active, which is great for their growth and development.
Encouraging kids to be active at an early age sets the foundations for good habits later on in life.
The Active Kids are Healthy Kids resource (Department of Health and Ageing, December 2004) lists the following benefits of physical activity :
- Promote healthy growth and development.
- Build strong bones and muscles.
- Improve balance and develop skills.
- Maintain and develop flexibility.
- Help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Improve cardiovascular fitness.
- Help relaxation.
- Improve posture.
- Provide opportunities to make friends.
- Improve self-esteem.
