The Benefits of Exercise in Children

By Big Adventures in Westfield

We all know that we should get some exercise every day, and children are no exception.

While our exercise may come in the form of going to the gym, children may get it in any number of ways, including running around, playing sports, playing ball, playing tag, bike riding, going up and down stairs, climbing trees, or walking.

When you exercise, there are almost no parts of your body that don’t get a workout. Bones, muscles, your lungs, and your brain all benefit.

Exercise also affects chemicals in your brain and can put you in a better mood.

Despite all the benefits, some school districts across the country, including in Syracuse, NY, are cancelling recess.

Why?

In the Syracuse case, the district’s master schedule for the new year (2012) mandated that every minute of the day be spent on instruction, except for a 30-minute lunch break.

Teachers would have the option of offering recess if they so chose to, but it would come at the expense of English language, arts, and math instructional time.

According to a news story written at the time, the district implemented the master schedule in an effort to ensure teachers satisfied new state requirements that dictate the number of minutes they spend teaching core subjects. The requirements are part of the state’s new teacher accountability rules.

Don’t get us wrong, we want our children to get the best education they can possibly get. But we also want them to get the exercise they need!

If your kids need a little exercise, bring them to Big Adventures and let them run around for a bit!