School sport still cancelled? Why not train with an Exercise Physiologist!

Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Bella Vista, Randwick, Pymble, Neutral Bay and Balmain will discuss why training with an Exercise Physiologist may be beneficial for children during this time of school sport cancellation.  

How an Exercise Physiologist help get YOU ready for “Return to play”.

School and community sport is scheduled to return in the coming weeks, which IS EXCITING! Although, are you ready? For some, during this period of Lockdown 2.0, exercise and physical activity has decreased. This is inclusive of children, particularly due to being schooled from home. This has lead to an increase in prolonged, static seated positions, inability to run and play with friends at recess and lunch, altered practical PE class structures and a reduction of incidental activity (walking to/from class rooms, walking to/from bus stops, going up and down stairs etc.).  All of these combined results in de-conditioning of the individual, both aerobically and physically!

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a University qualified Allied Health Professional and their education has equipped them with the ability to provide a tailored and specific exercise program, based on the subjective and objective information gathered in an initial consultation. In addition, an AEP will provide strategies and guidance that can be implemented into your daily routine to minimise risk of injury, improve muscular resilience and prepare the body for the demands of sport.  

Exercise guidelines for Children

Aerobic workload:

Days/week: Daily (5-7 days per week)

Intensity: Moderate/Vigorous (RPE 11-13/14-16)

Timing: 60mins

Type: Active recreation (skateboarding, rollerblading), brisk walk, cycling, swimming, house work (sweeping, mowing lawn) etc. 

Resistance workload

Days/week: 2-3 sessions 

Intensity: Moderate/Vigorous (60%/80% 1RM)

Timing: At least 60mins

Type: Game based sessions (tug-of-war etc.), full body resistance (bodyweight, resistance bands, machine weights, free weights – depending on physical development, exercise tolerance and experience), gymnastics etc.

Why is it important to hit these guidelines?

Achieving designed guidelines holds great importance in the ability of achieving optimal health and wellbeing (both physically and mentally/cognitively), reducing risks of injury, improving function and quality of life.

As children are currently being schooled from home, the likelihood of these guidelines being met has decreased, ultimately increasing the presence of mental struggles, lack of motivation and loss of social interaction and development. Achieving designed guidelines holds great importance in the ability of achieving optimal health and wellbeing (both physically and mentally/cognitively), reducing risks of injury, improving function and quality of life. 

What are some strategies that can be used during this time?

Speak to your Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Scientist or Personal Trainer; alternatives can be devised to allow you to complete exercise, with your goals still at the centre of our concern. 

• • Outdoor Exercise sessions
  • Home-Visits
  • Telehealth 

If you, your children or children you may know need help reaching these guidelines and benefiting from exercises, give us a call on 1300 964 002.

Written by Kale Barton-Bissaker