5x30, more active more often :: Type

Types of activity: Active Play

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Staying active is a vital part of keeping healthy, from birth right through to old age. Exercise and active play help prevent obesity, keep us fit, improve our immune systems, moods and concentration - and they can be sociable and fun, too.

Active play can be a very powerful tool in staying healthy by focusing on the things we do outside of work and normal daily routines. For those who do not like the more formal forms of activity, play can be a fantastic way to keep mobile and flex some muscles.

There are many forms of play that can count as physical activity.

Here is a taster of the different types of active play you can do.

Kite Flying
Outdoor activities like kite flying or body drag surfing, can be a great way of restoring healthy mental and physical balance. The degree of physical effort required depends on the type of kite and the decision to use it as a game or a work-out (body drag, kite buggy, kite surfing).

For further information on kitesurfingschool.org

Frisbee
Playing frisbee in the park or as a competitive sport is a good way of improving mobility and running around. Great for all the family and once you have a frisbee you only need to find some room!

For further information on frisbee flying go to www.frisbee.com

Hop Scotch
Hopscotch began in ancient Britain during the early Roman Empire. The original courts were over 100 feet long and were used to train the military. Roman soldiers ran the course wearing their full amour to build up their strength. Hopscotch has always been good exercise. There are varying forms of the original Hopscotch but all types will definitely keep you active.

Skipping
Skipping is a growing as a sport but can still be seen in school playgrounds everywhere. There is more to skipping than just simply turning and jumping over a rope. Skipping is an excellent exercise for the heart and lungs and for gains in cardiovascular fitness, balance and co-ordination. Combining skipping with a combination of strength / toning exercises, will provide you with a total body workout.

For further information on skipping go to www.brsa.org.uk / www.netfit.co.uk

Trampolining
All ages and abilities can benefit from trampolining offers; success, confidence,fun, freedom, empowerment, relaxation therapy, thrills, self esteem, co-ordination, movement, fitness.

Conservation Groups
There are many conservation activities that can assist in improving you mobility and health. Tree planting is not only initially good for you, but you will be able to continue to look after the tree in it’s early years and watch it grow. Other conservation activities include; pond digging, tree felling, scrub clearance, hedgelaying or creating school nature areas.

For further information on www.greengym.org.uk

Play
There are many forms of ‘play’ that can be for everyone. Play equipment in the park, kicking a ball around the field or just playing ‘tag’ can be fun.

See the ‘Where to find physical activities’ and facilities for further details on different types of active play.

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