Tips help young people stay active during lockdown

SOME practical hints and tips to help young people stay physically active during the Covid-19 lockdown have been released by a leading heart health charity.

Aimed at young people aged five through to 18, Heart Research UK's Healthy Heart Tip has been created by the charity's Head of Health Promotion Dr Helen Flaherty.

She said: "Regular physical activity in children and young people is associated with improved learning, better mental health, healthier weight status and better cardiovascular fitness.

"At a time when the population is being asked to stay at home, finding ways to keep children physically active can be challenging. Heart Research UK have some tips to help children and young people meet the recommended amount of physical activity while staying at home.

"The government recommends that children and young people aged five to 18 years engage in two types of physical activity every week: aerobic exercises and activities that strengthen muscles and bones. Children and young people should aim to do at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily."

Aerobic exercises should make the heart beat faster and a person breathe harder, with the body feeling warmer.These include brisk walking, running, cycling, skateboarding or riding a scooter.

Among the many activities to strengthen muscles and bones are skipping, sit-ups, press-ups, dance and games such as tug-of-war

It is common for children and young people to spend too much time sitting in front of a screen so parents and carers are urged to limit this to a set amount of time each day or week and schedule in some time for getting active and away from the screen.

Physical activity does not have to be a chore – look online for inspiration for getting kids and young people active and having some fun. Change 4 Life provide some good tips https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/activities/indoor-activities and there are also some online Physical Activity coaches who run free online sessions for kids.

Exercising as a family as this can be motivating for children and young people. Going for a family bike ride/walk or dancing around the house to your favourite songs can be a fun way to get moving together. You could also inspire others by posting videos of your activities on social media.

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