Practitioners have an important role to play in encouraging children to be physically active from a very early age.
Exercise increases health on many levels and with so many sedentary pursuits now making their claim on children's time, it is vital that they understand why they need to move around.
Exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and increases heart mass. It helps to increase the rate at which our bodies burn calories and can lead to weight loss in those who are overweight.
It is also good for the brain. Aerobic activity helps to increase the number of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, so that messages can be carried more quickly over brain cells. This increases mental flexibility and agility over longer periods of time. An increase in the supply of oxygenated blood to the brain can improve concentration, alertness and intellectual capacity.
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