Why exercise makes children feel great

It is a well-known fact that exercise supports our physical health, but it’s also great for our mental health too. During Mental Health Awareness Week, this blog explores why exercise makes children feel good and enhances their overall wellbeing.

Endorphins

When children are active and moving their bodies, whether through exercise or play, ‘feel good’ chemicals known as endorphins are released. Endorphins act as natural relievers of stress and also help to improve mood, energy and sleep. This helps alleviate anxiety in children and boosts their energy levels, resulting in improved overall emotional wellbeing. It has become increasingly common for children to spend long periods of time engaging in sedentary activities such as doing homework, online learning or playing games looking at a screen. Now, more than ever, we need to encourage children to move their bodies and release those all-important endorphins.

Enjoyment

As well as releasing endorphins, exercise makes children feel good because it’s fun! At Gymfinity Kids we want to lay the foundations for a happier, healthier nation. To achieve this goal, it is vital that children learn to enjoy being active and move their bodies from an early age. Whether children master a forward roll, learn how to do a cartwheel or balance on the beam (with help of course!), having fun when exercising is something everyone should aspire to. By balancing fun and development in equal measure, children can learn to love exercise and enjoy all its benefits.

Community

Activity and sport give children and young people a place to feel they belong and an important sense of community – whether that’s a space in a school sports team or at an after-school club. By enjoying activities with friends it can help to build children’s teamwork skills and to combat feelings of loneliness that they might be experiencing.

Just like adults, not all children are natural extroverts, but it is important to encourage them to socialise and partake in activities that offer a sense of community. Structured activities such as drama, Guides, Scouts or gymnastics are particularly good because they offer a seamless and enjoyable way for children to exercise and make friends.

Improved self-esteem

Being part of a community also helps to improve children’s self-esteem. We want to make exercise as fun and enjoyable as possible for children of all ages and abilities and our recreational activity classes encourage children to be active without any competitive pressure. As children explore their capabilities and push their boundaries, their skills improve, which has a hugely positive effect on their confidence.

Each session adds a positive experience to children’s weekly routine and each of our classes is so much fun that kids almost won’t realise they are picking up essential life lessons such as building resilience, respecting others and the importance of trying their best. The importance of self-confidence cannot be underestimated and makes children feel good in all aspects of their lives.

Brain function

Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and brain health in children. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance memory, attention, and concentration. Additionally, exercise can also promote the growth of new brain cells, which can improve overall brain function. By engaging in regular physical activity, children can boost their brainpower and feel more alert and focused.

Sense of accomplishment

Setting and achieving goals, such as running a certain distance or mastering a new skill, can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment. This can help children feel more confident in themselves and their abilities, which can carry over into other areas of their lives. By providing children with opportunities to challenge themselves physically, parents and teachers can help them develop a sense of competence and mastery, which can enhance their overall well-being.

Improved physical health

Regular exercise can improve children’s physical health, which in turn can contribute to feelings of well-being and satisfaction. Physical activity can strengthen bones and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as obesity and diabetes. By staying physically healthy, children can enjoy greater mobility, energy, and independence, which can enhance their overall quality of life. Exercise can also promote better sleep, which can lead to improved physical health and a more positive mood.