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In highly developed countries, nearly all children and youth aged 5 to 18 attend school for about six hours daily. This period is crucial for their social, mental, and physical development. Schools play a pivotal role in establishing lifelong healthy habits, including promoting health and safety. They are essential in helping students achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, which is vital for preventing various diseases.
Beyond academics, a healthy lifestyle and hobbies are significant in a child's life. Recent studies, including work by Sport’s University in Granada and associated psychologists, show that physically active students tend to perform better academically. The WHO suggests children need 60 minutes of aerobic activity daily, including activities that strengthen muscles and bones. Many European countries now provide an hour of physical education daily, reflecting these insights.
School sports facilities are the primary venues for such activities. In warmer regions, children can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Conversely, in colder climates, outdoor activities are limited to milder months, underscoring the value of a dedicated fitness club at school. Such facilities ensure that most students have access to the benefits of an active lifestyle throughout the year.
PE teachers, understanding the urgent need due to rising obesity rates, should spearhead the development of school fitness studios. Such facilities not only make daily fitness classes feasible but also enhance the health and wellness of both students and teachers, covering aerobic, muscle, and bone-strengthening activities.
Physical activities at schools should prioritize aerobic exercises, with muscle and bone strengthening integrated into at least three days a week, as per WHO recommendations. Such activities should be age-appropriate, varied, and enjoyable.
Contrary to past beliefs, modern research shows that strength training, when properly supervised and tailored, does not harm children's growth and is indeed beneficial for their development.
Strength training is beneficial and safe for children as young as six when weights are adjusted and supervised properly. It is vital that training regimes evolve with the child's age to enhance their physical capabilities responsibly.
