Bob’s Banter – 18 September 2015

In a recent conversation I had with some of my boot campers we inadvertently started to discuss the benefits of training outdoors versus indoors.

Both have their virtues – outside you get fresh air, sunrises and sunsets, the sun on your face (remember your sunscreen), getting a little dirt on your hands and birdsong. Indoors there are the benefits of cool air-conditioning, no sun on you (no need for sunscreen), clean surfaces and music.

Although I am obviously a strong proponent of outside exercise, I understand and recognise the merits of both. The conversation rather got me thinking further about the children of today and the inordinate amount of time they spend indoors (not exercising but in front of a myriad of different screens).

In many cases our society seem to be suffering from the protection paradox. We may be so focused on our children’s lifestyles, ensuring they are healthy, safe and happy, that we actually could be having the opposite effect. We overprotect our kids to keep them safe, by keeping them close and indoors which may set them up to be less resilient.

Studies have shown that children with ready access to “unsupervised” outdoor play often have better-developed motor skills, social behaviour, independence and conflict resolution ability. Playgrounds with equipment that allow athletic movement skills, which can be seen as some of the potentially more “risky” elements, are often excellent for encouraging increased physical activity and therefore a reduction in sedentary behaviours.

Pre-schoolers spend twice as much time (53%) being active when play is outdoors as opposed to indoors (23%).

Children, who are outside move more, sit less and play longer. This will result improved cholesterol levels, blood pressure, body composition, bone density, cardio respiratory and musculoskeletal fitness and aspects of mental, social and environmental health.

So, get your kids outdoors – let them run, roll, jump and play!