Fitness is a complex concept. It is an improved physiological state that leads to improved health and longevity. There are many components to fitness. The primary components are cardiorespiratory capacity, muscular capacity, flexibility and body composition. Some of the secondary components include balance, coordination, agility, speed and power. The benefits of fitness are endless… it reduces the risk of premature death, decreases body fat, lowers the risk of many diseases, promotes joint stability, increases metabolism, reduces depression, anxiety and stress, and improves body image and self-esteem.
When it comes to children in particular, physical activity helps them to build and keep healthy bones, muscles and joints, keeps a healthy weight, they sleep better at night and feel more ready to learn in school. Fitness actually helps the brain to develop and stay sharp!
When it comes to the amount and type of fitness children need, the rule of thumb is at least 35 - 60 minutes each day. This should include aerobic activities, muscle strengthening and bone strengthening. Because children’s bones are developing and strengthening at this stage of life, strength training is even more important for children. Strength training helps fortify the ligaments and tendons that support the muscles and bones and improve bone density (the amount of calcium and minerals in the bone). Like flexibility, strength training helps to prevent injuries and speed up recovery time.
The Sports Training Academy is a 25,000 square foot indoor sports training facility located on the Oakville/Mississauga border catering to young athletes who want to improve their athletic performance through skills training and conditioning by utilizing cross-training with professional instruction in order to enhance coordination, flexibility, agility and strength making a better all-around athlete.
