Encourage young boys and girls to run, jump, squeal, hop and chase after each other, and you substantially improve their ability to think, according to the most ambitious study ever conducted of physical activity and cognitive performance in children. The results underscore, yet again, the importance of physical activity for children’s brain health and development, especially in terms of the particular thinking skills that most affect academic performance. For the new study, published in Pediatrics, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign approached school administrators at public elementary schools in the surrounding communities and recruited students for an after-school exercise program (“How Exercise Can Boost Young Brains,” NY Times).
For kids, increased physical activity has been associated with an increased life expectancy and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Physical activity produces overall physical, psychological and social benefits. Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults. Read more about this in our article about Healthy Kids.
Fitness for kids. SHAPING THE FUTURE.
Physical activity helps kids with:
- More control over mental multitasking
- Improved ability to maintain concentration
- Inhibition of inappropriate responses to mental stimuli
- Improved psychological well-being
- Increased self-confidence and higher self-esteem
How do I promote physical activity in my child?
Physical activity should be increased by reducing sedentary time (e.g., watching television, playing computer video games or talking on the phone).
Physical activity should be fun for children and adolescents.
Parents should try to be role models for active lifestyles and provide children with opportunities for increased physical activity.
What if my child is uncoordinated?
All children, even less-coordinated ones, need to be physically active. Activity may be particularly helpful for the physical and psychological well-being of children who are inactive.
Why Martial Arts is the best choice for fitness.
It’s fun. No parent wants to drag and unwilling child to a sport or activity. Martial Arts classes are exciting, easy for most kids and with a very extreme cool factor.
Martial arts is an individual sport with a team atmosphere. No one sits on the bench.
Classes are effective because they are 45 minutes long and increase in intensity so kids will reach a high level of intensity and fitness. Just what doctors are recommending.
The goal setting and awarding of belts for progress makes this a long term activity.
Parents love the benefits of increased self esteem, courage, self protection, patience and courtesy.
Parents can support and watch classes. Other parents may choose to take lessons as well.
FREE Kids’ Fitness Workshop: Join us in Person!
You can contact us at 919.463.9833, balancemartialarts@gmail.com,
or, even better, check our schedule and come on by!
Come to class a few minutes early and you can participate the same day!
We’re located conveniently in Park West Village (the Target shopping center) at 1408 Village Market Place Morrisville, NC 27560.
