Youth Exercise Matters & RCI Products Can Help

Globally speaking, our children and young teens simply aren’t getting enough exercise according to a recent study produced by the World Health Organization (WHO). Whether or not this news is surprising to you, this study points out a major issue that has the potential to lead to negative health ramifications for the world’s youth population. It was found that more than 80% of school-age adolescents on a global scale did not adequately meet current activity recommendations and approximately 85% of girls and 78% of boys did not engage in at least one hour of physical activity per day*.

Ok so you’re probably thinking: what’s the big deal? What could the consequences even be?

Well, the outcome isn’t great over a long period of time especially since this is a problem that can be solved more easily than most. First, let’s talk about the benefits of exercise as well as the risk that comes from continuing down a sedentary path.

Benefits of exercise

It’s a no brainer that if kids and teens are regularly physically active, they will in turn be healthier in general. Adopting a new exercise-centric routine wouldn’t just be getting them in shape for the short term, however, as they would also be positively preparing for their future health. The aforementioned study conducted by WHO officials made it a point to list out a few health benefits that result from a physically active lifestyle and they are significant.

Those health benefits include:

• Improved cardiorespiratory + muscular fitness
• Strengthened bone + cardiometabolic health
• Positive effects on weight
• Positive impact on cognitive development and socializing

Routine exercise can also just lighten a child or teen’s mood thanks to the release of endorphins. If it’s sunny out, run around at a local playground or attend sports practice. Gloomy day? Get creative with low-impact exercise indoors whether at home or at a gym. It’s all about developing a healthy habit!

Supplement or start your fitness regimen with RCI Products

Perhaps your child or teen participates in a sport or is part of a local club that promotes being active in some way such as flag football. Or maybe you still need to introduce physical activity. Regardless of where your child or teen is at in their fitness journey, a great way to make exercise fun and interesting is through RCI adventure attractions!

From Sky Trail® aerial attractions to Sky Tykes® and Adventure Trail netplay to Clip ‘n Climb® climbing activities, there is something for everyone. RCI attractions, no matter which one you choose to interact with, are built to move participants by getting them to stretch their arms and legs in some way. Each is also designed to repackage the concept of exercise and show that it can be fun, different and inviting to all.

So, if you need to get your kids moving and on a path toward healthy living, take them to your nearest RCI attraction. They’ll thank you for it and you’re bound to have some fun too!

*Based on data reported by 1.6 million 11-17 year old students in 146 countries between 2001-2016.

Sources:

Study Says: Majority of Adolescents Worldwide Don’t Get Enough Activity. (2020, January). Recreation Management, 21(1), 8–9.