A research report by the University of Wollongong’s Early Start Research Institute indicates children, particularly girls, involved in sports from a young age have significant mental, social and psychological benefits. Dylan Cliff who was involved in the research explains the benefits of sustained physical activity for children and PE teaching student and gymnastics instructor Rebecca Paulson illustrates the effects she has seen sports have on young children.
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Dylan Cliff, a PDHPE teacher and UOW research fellow, says exercising from an early age reduces anxiety and helps with social function. He warns there are negatives to playing sport, such as feeling the need to always win.
Claire Rayner, Health and Fitness Manager at URAC, says parents should take advantage of spare time to get in the pool. “When your kids are at swimming lessons, jump in the pool for a few laps – even if it is only for half an hour.”
Not only does playing sports improve your physical health, team sports promote socialisation.
Dr Dylan Cliff says that team sports are effective in setting us up for later in life. He says that committing to a team and working towards a common goal are skills that can be used in the workplace.
Individual sports are also beneficial for building self-confidence, according to URAC Marketing Manager Tess Hadley.
Beaton Park in Wollongong is a great place to get healthy and workout, decked out with a pool, gym, and yoga room.
Although quiet today, the home of Illawarra basketball, The Snakepit, is often abuzz with team spirit in intense matches.
Sport enthusiasts encourage us to stop making excuses and get out there and exercise.
Claire Rayner says health benefits of sport include “increased aerobic fitness, co-ordination, and the ability to run around without being breathless.”
Tess Hadley says an active lifestyle early on in life is beneficial to health.
So don’t hang up the towel, get out there and get healthy!
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