Children 'need more outdoor exercise'
20/11/2009 Children need to take part in more effective types of physical exercise to avoid obesity, according to one medical expert.
Exercises which gets the body moving the most were recommended including outdoor activities such as football, dancing and sessions on a trampoline.
Speaking to an audience at the University of Ulster, Professor Gareth Stratton, a specialist in paediatric exercise at Liverpool John Moore's University, explained that Britain was in danger of becoming a couch potato society.
He said: "Current guidelines exist recommending at least one hour of physical activity per day but what I would suggest is that we go further than this. I would argue that in addition children also need to be participating in at least 90 minutes of high intensity, vigorous activity each week."
Using a trampoline has long been recognised as an effective yet fun form of exercise. Experts claim that 10 minutes on a trampoline is as effective as half an hour spent running.
Those who use a trampoline regularly will see an improvement in metabolism, as well as an increase in muscle strength and co-ordination.
Exercises which gets the body moving the most were recommended including outdoor activities such as football, dancing and sessions on a trampoline.
Speaking to an audience at the University of Ulster, Professor Gareth Stratton, a specialist in paediatric exercise at Liverpool John Moore's University, explained that Britain was in danger of becoming a couch potato society.
He said: "Current guidelines exist recommending at least one hour of physical activity per day but what I would suggest is that we go further than this. I would argue that in addition children also need to be participating in at least 90 minutes of high intensity, vigorous activity each week."
Using a trampoline has long been recognised as an effective yet fun form of exercise. Experts claim that 10 minutes on a trampoline is as effective as half an hour spent running.
Those who use a trampoline regularly will see an improvement in metabolism, as well as an increase in muscle strength and co-ordination.
