More ways to get active
Active children are happy children
The trouble is, in this modern world they've got other things to do and plenty of reasons not to go outside to play or run around. Even at school they're sitting for much of the day.
In fact, children need to do at least 60 minutes of physical activity that gets their heart beating faster than usual. And they need to do it every day to burn off calories and prevent them storing up excess fat in the body which can lead to cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It also keeps their bones healthy and encourages muscle strength and flexibility.
It's important to try and do activities that really get their hearts pumping. This can be things like jumping, skipping, dancing and running. Not only does it make them feel good, but it helps to exercise their bones too and protect against brittle bone disease in later life.
Another fun way of getting 60 active minutes is going swimming - or simply having fun in the water. It uses every muscle group and is great for cardiovascular fitness. The Cascades Leisure Centre swimming pool is open all year round.
Ideas
You’re more likely to have fun and success if you arm yourself with new ideas. Children don’t need to get their 60 active minutes all in one go - they can clock them up bit by bit across the day.
One of the best ways to start changing is by having an idea of what you’d like your family to get out of a new healthier lifestyle and write it down on a post-it note. With a long-term goal in mind, it will help remind you that even little changes everyday will help you achieve it. Here’s how it might look:
We’d like to...
- Spend more time together
- Veg out less
- Have fun
- Get involved with local activities
Want to get involved?
There are a number of events around Tewkesbury to get involved with. Why not take a look at our events section for a list of whats on and when?
Get Involved...
This weekend (March 6th/7th) Count Me In! is hosting a dance extravaganza in Tewkesbury, with FREE activities for all the family.
The activities include Salsa classes, street dance, ballet and cheerleading as well as water dance and are aimed at all members of the family, from children to the elderly.
Saturday 6th March
11.30- 12.00, Salsa Fit for all ages
Tewkesbury School Dance Studio
Emily Young, 07792 974611, eyoung@glos.ac.uk
12.15 - 1.00, Ballet Stretch for all ages
Tewkesbury School Dance Studio
Emily Young, 07792 974611, eyoung@glos.ac.uk
10.00 – 11.00 Street Dance for all ages
Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
Emily Young, 07792 974611, eyoung@glos.ac.uk
11.30 – 12.30 Creative Dance for ages 5 - 12
Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
Emily Young, 07792 974611, eyoung@glos.ac.uk
4.30 -5.30 Family Dance and Swim
Cascades, Tewkesbury
Emily Young, 07792 974611, eyoung@glos.ac.uk
Sunday 7th March
2.00 - 3.00, Cheerleading for ages 8 - 16
Tewkesbury School Dance Studio
Emily Young, 07792 974611, eyoung@glos.ac.uk