British Heart Foundation: Green spaces are needed to encourage outdoor play
23/12/2009 More green spaces are needed to encourage British people to get involved in outdoor play activities, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
A representative for the BHF told the facilities management firm OCS that it people are going to improve their fitness levels there needs to be better environments to exercise in.
The comments come after NHS figures revealed that the fitness levels for British children have decreased by eight per cent in the past decade, double the world average. Experts who carried out the research from the University of Essex believe that this is down to children staying indoors rather than getting involved in outdoor play activities.
Betty McBride, policy and communications director, for the BHF, told the OCS: "We need an environment which helps people be active such as safe cycle routes to work and more green spaces in local areas."
She added that people should make the effort to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.
One piece of equipment which will be enjoyed by the whole family is a mini trampoline. Jumping on a trampoline provides a great cardio vascular workout and can be used indoors in the winter or outside in the summer months.
A representative for the BHF told the facilities management firm OCS that it people are going to improve their fitness levels there needs to be better environments to exercise in.
The comments come after NHS figures revealed that the fitness levels for British children have decreased by eight per cent in the past decade, double the world average. Experts who carried out the research from the University of Essex believe that this is down to children staying indoors rather than getting involved in outdoor play activities.
Betty McBride, policy and communications director, for the BHF, told the OCS: "We need an environment which helps people be active such as safe cycle routes to work and more green spaces in local areas."
She added that people should make the effort to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.
One piece of equipment which will be enjoyed by the whole family is a mini trampoline. Jumping on a trampoline provides a great cardio vascular workout and can be used indoors in the winter or outside in the summer months.
