The Importance of Physical Activity among Today’s Youth

The rapid increase in overweight and obesity in combination with low levels of physical activity represent a serious threat to the health of Canadian children and youth. Research has indicated that more than half of Canadian children and youth are not active enough for optimal growth and development.

Over half of Canadians aged 5 to 17 are not active enough for optimal growth and development. What does this mean? The term "active enough" refers to an energy expenditure of at least 8 kilocalories per kilogram of body weight. According to Canada’s Physical activity guide, regular physical activity for children between the ages of 6 to14 includes 90 minutes of daily physical activity; this includes approximately 60 minutes of moderate activity like walking and 30 minutes of vigorous activity like martial arts or gymnastics. Early exposure to physical activity will help children to experience fun, excitement, friendships, confidence in their ability, and a number of health benefits. Furthermore, if people are active as children they are more likely to be active in adulthood. 

Being physically active has a variety of health benefits especially for children such as; the promotion of normal growth and development, reduced risk of high blood pressure, cancer, and a number of other serious illnesses, increased strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility, healthier brain function, and increased self-esteem, relaxation and positive mood states.

Despite the positive effects of physical activity, Active Healthy Kids Canada, a national advocate for active children, released a 2010 report card giving a failing grade to Canadian kids’ physical activity. According to this study none of the provinces or territories are meeting the physical activity recommendation of 90 minutes a day. The breakdown of children and youth meeting physical activity guidelines are as follows:

15% — British Columbia, Northwest Territories
14% — Ontario, Yukon
13% — Saskatchewan, Manitoba
11% — Alberta
10% — Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador
9% — Prince Edward Island
7% — New Brunswick
n/a — Nunavut (population size too small to draw valid results)
The national average was 12%.

Canadian girls are less active than boys with only 38 per cent of girls and 48 per cent of boys considered active enough. Only 30 per cent of adolescent girls and 40 per cent of adolescent boys are considered active enough (CFLRI, 2000 Monitor).

The major concern is that sedentary children often become overweight or obese children and obese children tend to become obese adults. Sedentary living and obesity increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and many other serious illnesses. Paediatricians are seeing a large increase in high blood pressure and diabetes among children since 1981.

The cure lies in preventative measures. An increase in awareness, education, and local, affordable opportunities for children to become more active would collectively help to reduce sedentary living and obesity among Canada’s youth and adults.

Physical activity comes in all different types! There are so many options when it comes to being active. Small routine changes like walking or biking to school can add up to a big change in health and fitness. 

Physical activity can happen without special equipment. Children love to play fun interactive games like tag, hide and go seek, and capture the flag. Allowing children to engage in free play allows them to socialize and to explore their creativity. Free play allows children to see the simplicity and the fun in being active. That’s what physical activity is all about!! 

Use physical activity to spend quality time with your family. Biking, hiking, camping, tobogganing, snow shoeing, and skating are great ways for the family to come together, have fun, and stay healthy and active. 

Organized sports, camps, and family fitness programs are also a great option for children and youth to learn more about their specific sport skills and about having a balanced mind and body.

PILATES FOR ME offers a variety of classes at affordable prices for all ages and fitness levels. We promote mind, body exercise, family fitness and effective exercise for all levels of fitness. This includes; Pre/Post natal classes, Wee Wigglers for toddlers, Mom and Kids fitness, Pilates for kids and teens, Training for athletes, Bootcamps, Running groups, and Pilates classes for all levels. 

Summer offers for Pre-school aged Children with PILATES FOR ME: