With spring just on the horizon, there is no better time to start encouraging your child to get active and get fit. Whether your child prefers indoor or outdoor sports, there are plenty of activities for your child to get involved in this spring.

With health experts becoming increasingly concerned about the number of children suffering from obesity, the importance of exercise is at its highest. Children who are overweight or obese are prone to developing health risks such as diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure. As parents and guardians, it is your responsibility to encourage a healthy lifestyle, so why don’t you get involved too? Below are some fun and energetic ways to get fit this spring:

Trampolining

You may not think that bouncing up and down has real health benefits, but it really does! Trampolining brings a number of health and wellbeing benefits and can be enjoyed by anyone, any age due to it being a low impact activity. Here’s why bouncing on a trampoline is good for you:

  • Believe it or not, trampolining is a cardiovascular exercise meaning it increases muscle strength and fitness. Trampolining will get your childs’ heart pumping, boosting their circulation and oxygen levels, making them feel healthier and more alert.
  • Trampolining helps to promote stronger bones, perfect for children who need to develop healthy bones. Jumping repeatedly can be a strenuous exercise, however because the trampoline pad is bouncy and absorbs a lot of a your impact, your childs’ bones and joints will be protected
  • Trampolines help develop balance, rhythm and coordination skills, essential things children need to learn in the early stages of their life
  • Tests have proved that trampolining has positive effects for children who suffer from autism. As the child bounces, it can help the bodys’ sensory and physical systems integrate.
  • Jumping on a trampoline works a lot of the core muscles. This will help your child keep trim and toned.

Hockey

Hockey is an extremely popular sport improving both fitness and social integration. Although more popular amongst boys, girls do enjoy the sport too. Here are a few of its health and wellbeing benefits:

  • Hockey involves a lot of movement, meaning it is a great form of cardiovascular exercise. Pumping sufficient quantities of oxygen helps to improve the breathing and cellular activity.
  • The sport helps to reduce excessive body fat as the activity requires short bursts of energy which helps burn calories
  • Improves muscle strength, particularly the biceps, triceps, hamstrings and forearms
  • Hockey is a team led sport, meaning members have to communicate in order to play the game. It teaches them to work collectively to achieve a goal

Balance Bikes

If you have younger children between the ages 2 and 6 years old, balance bikes are a great way to introduce gentle exercise into your childs’ daily routine. The bikes not do have pedals, meaning the child can take full control of the bike with their feet firmly on the ground. As your child learns and explores freely, they will become more confident and will learn how to ride naturally, without using any stabilizers. Balance bikes improve:

  • Balance and coordination skills
  • Communication skills
  • Growth and security
  • Independence
  • Confidence
  • Fitness and stamina

Balance bikes also reduce stress levels, causing the child to have fewer tantrums.
This is just a tiny guide. There is a whole range of high and low impact activities. It is about finding out what your child enjoys and most importantly, it is about keeping active.

Find the award-winning balance bikes.

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