Outdoor gym equipment is the perfect solution for schools looking to find innovative and exciting ways to encourage children to exercise. This equipment provides cognitive, emotional and physical development opportunities for all children in a fun and stimulating environment.
A recent study revealed that during primary school, children became 17 minutes less active per week every year. Schools are now being encouraged to develop early intervention strategies that show children that they do not need to exercise more, but rather maintain their activity levels. Outdoor gym equipment is the perfect solution to showing pupils that exercise can be fun and varied.
In recent years there has been an increased awareness surrounding mental health in both adults and children. The BBC recently reported that researchers at University College London had found that children who spend lots of time sitting still are much more likely to develop depression by the time they turn 18. It is so important that from an early age children are introduced to fun and exciting ways of exercise that outdoor gym equipment can provide. School can be a challenging time for all children but showing them that exercise is a healthy way of combating these negative feeling can be extremely beneficial to their mental health. Plus, with the equipment being outdoors, the combined fresh air and dose of Vitamin D will give them that extra mental boost they need each day.
Having the opportunity to get outside, breathe in the fresh air and get their blood pumping using outdoor gym equipment will instantly give pupils a physical boost. Children are naturally full of energy and need interactive and interesting ways to let off some steam, so they are ready and relaxed for their next lesson.
From Double Air Walkers to Tai Chi Spinners, the majority of outdoor gym equipment requires children to focus on developing their hand eye coordination skills. Each piece of equipment will test children’s motor skills in different ways and encourage them to improve their physical abilities.
The playground is naturally an environment for socialising, where children can make friends, play games and interact with one another. Outdoor gym equipment often encourages these relationships with equipment such as Double-Sided Skiers and Double Air Walkers requiring collaboration and/or communication in order to function. Children are encouraged in a pressure free setting to communicate with one another and express themselves to reach their goals.
Too often are children taught that exercise solely involves running up and down a field for an hour when the reality is, it can be so much more fun. P.E can be made fun again with outdoor equipment that stimulates their mind and body. Not every child is going to fall in love with a sport such as football or netball, so why not demonstrate how varied and enjoyable physical exercise can be?
As we mentioned, not every child will be passionate about a specific sport, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be engaging in any physical activity. Allow children to develop healthy habits from early on by introducing outdoor gym equipment that shows them there is more to exercise than being an athlete. The more they are able to exercise in school, the more likely they are to want to continue this habit outside of school and into the future.
According to the NHS, children need around 10-11 hours of sleep every night in order to meet their full potential in every aspect of their lives. However, any parent or teacher will tell you that some children can be much more energetic than others and need time to burn off excess energy. Outdoor gym equipment can help children release some of this energy so that they can be calmer and more focused in the classroom. But, most importantly so that they can relax when they arrive home and get sufficient sleep every evening.
Many children struggle to focus in school, particularly when they have been sat down for long periods of time. Having the opportunity to go outdoors every few hours can help children to feel less tired and to remove any brain fog they may be experiencing. Once they have had time to get their blood pumping and breathe in some fresh air, they will be ready to come back to class, ready to learn.
Healthy competition is a valuable experience in any child’s life and the playground provides the perfect, pressure free environment to explore this. Encouraging children to use gym equipment can help them to understand the value of competitiveness and sportsmanship. Whether it be on a workout circuit, cross trainer or any other piece of gym equipment, children are able to compete with one another but most importantly, they are able to have fun doing it.
At Playground Imagineering, we offer a vast range of outdoor gym equipment that is ideal for encouraging physical activity in all age ranges. We have years of experience in providing safe and fun equipment that is inspired by the needs of the children that use them. If you’re interested in finding out more about the gym equipment we have to offer or would like more information, feel free to get in touch with our team today on 01925 648959 or email us at sales@playgroundimagineering.co.uk.
