The Benefits of Exercise Physiology in Childhood
The World Health Organisation highlight some of the key facts related to physical activity:
- Physical activity has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds
- Physical activity contributes to preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes
- Physical activity reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Physical activity enhances thinking, learning, and judgment skills
- Physical activity ensures healthy growth and development in young people
- Physical activity improves overall well-being
- Globally, 1 in 4 adults do not meet the global recommended levels of physical activity
- People who are insufficiently active have a 20% to 30% increased risk of death compared to people who are sufficiently active
- More than 80% of the world’s adolescent population is insufficiently physically active
- Physical activity (who.int)
We understand that engaging in safe, enjoyable and meaningful exercise can be difficult. At Thriving Lives Co., we champion a holistic approach to child health and development, inspired by the ‘F-words for Child Development’ (Rosenbaum & Gorter, 2012): Functioning, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future. Our exercise physiology programs are designed not just for children but for their families too, embracing a family-centered, strengths-based philosophy that benefits every child’s development.
The principles behind the ‘F-words for Child Development’ resonate across all ages and stages of life. Our exercise physiology programs for kids, youth, and their families are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and adaptable, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their abilities or challenges.
- Body Structure and Function
- Fitness: Physical and mental well-being are inseparable, and our exercise physiology services are keyed to improve both. By fostering physical fitness, we lay the groundwork for improved mental health, resilience, and a positive outlook on life, essential components of holistic child development.
- Activity
- Functioning: Kids may do things differently but THEY CAN do them. How they do it is not important. We work to maximise function in a way that works for the child and their family.
- Participation
- Friends: Friendship is a crucial aspect of child development, and our approach encourages kids to form meaningful connections with their peers. Through group activities and community engagement, we open doors for friendships to flourish, enhancing social skills and emotional support networks. We can work towards specific exercise goals that allow a child to participate in age appropriate play, such as walking or running speed, riding bikes, monkey bars among many other goals.
- Environmental Factors
- Family: We recognize that family is the core environment for a child’s growth. Our programs are designed to fit within, and enhance the family lifestyle, ensuring that exercise and physical activities become a shared joy, reinforcing bonds and supporting each other’s wellness journey.
- Personal Factors
- Fun: What’s learning without a little fun? Our sessions are packed with enjoyable activities tailored to the interests and needs of each child. By integrating fun into our exercise physiology programs, we ensure that children are not only active but genuinely delighted to participate, making healthy habits that last a lifetime.
- Future:
- The cornerstone of our philosophy is to lay a solid foundation for a healthy future. While we work on exercise and motor skills, we are also strengthening problem solving, resilience and their self concept. By supporting confidence in themselves, as well as a love for active living and the importance of physical health from a young age, we’re not just preparing kids for their future; we’re helping them create a brighter, healthier path forward.
Rosenbaum, P., & Gorter, J. W. (2012). The ‘F‐words’ in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think!. Child: care, health and development, 38(4), 457-463.
