Hello Everyone. Today’s article is a guest post from Springfield.
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The UK has certainly had its fair share of sunshine this summer, and so there have been plenty of opportunities for families to get out and about in the open air to enjoy some sports.
Getting stuck into activities in the outdoors is associated with a host of benefits, and here are some of the most important.
1. Improved Health & Fitness
Kids and adults alike benefit from plenty of physical activity. According to the NHS, youngsters aged between five and 18 need at least an hour of exercise each day, and this should include moderate-intensity activities like cycling and playground games, as well as vigorous-intensity exercises such as fast running.
Meanwhile, pastimes like football, skipping, martial arts and gymnastics can help ensure that children strengthen their muscles and bones.
Of course, it’s not only youngsters who benefit from keeping fit. Adults need to do plenty of exercise too. Being active can help to reduce people’s risk of a range of potentially serious medical complaints, including cancer, heart disease and strokes. It can also cut the chances of an early death by up to 30 per cent.
2. A Vitamin D Boost
There are specific benefits associated with doing exercises outdoors too. Most notably, it gives people a vitamin D boost. Vitamin D is vital to help keep bones healthy and sunlight is the primary source.
Everyone needs this vitamin to enable them to absorb phosphorous and calcium from their diets. These minerals play a major role in bone health and a lack of vitamin D can cause bones to become weak and soft. In children, insufficient vitamin D levels can lead to rickets, while in adults it can result in a condition called osteomalacia, which causes pain and tenderness in the bones.
The amount of sunlight people need varies depending on their skin types and the strength of the sun. However, in the UK, short daily periods of sun exposure between April and October are generally deemed to be sufficient. Of course, if you spend too long outside without sun cream on during the summer you risk getting burnt, so you should always make sure that you and your family are protected.
3. The Feel Good Factor
As well as these physical benefits, plenty of exercise can help people to feel good. Research has found that keeping active can enhance self-esteem, mood, energy and sleep quality. It can also lower the risk of stress and depression. Studies have even revealed that exercise can reduce the likelihood that individuals will suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Social Benefits
Family sports days are also great from a social point of view. By getting stuck into fun activities, you and your kids will have plenty of opportunities to meet other people and this can enhance feelings of community. Sports are also a great way to teach youngsters about teamwork and competition.
They can provide parents and children with the perfect opportunity to bond too. Let’s face it, modern life can be hectic and it’s often difficult for families to spend quality time with one another. Sports days bring mums, dads and kids together.
5. The Right Facilities
For these outdoor events to work properly, it’s important that there are suitable facilities available. Luckily, it’s now easier than ever for schools and other organisations to access attractive and practical portable sports buildings that are ideal for family sports days and a host of other activities.
Springfield specialises in creating portable buildings and its leisure range includes sports pavilions, shower and changing blocks, dance studios and more. These buildings can be created to bespoke specifications and they come with finishes designed to help them blend in with their surroundings.