The school holidays are coming to an end with new stationery being bought and school bags being taken out of hiding. After weeks of relaxed routines, getting children ready to focus and finding some back-to-school energy can feel like a challenge.
Physical activity helps to boost fitness levels, improve attention, enhance mood, increase confidence, and optimise learning. The NHS recommends that children and young people aged five to 18 aim for an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity each day across the week. It also recommends breaking up long periods of sitting with movement.
Read on to find out more about why physical activity helps children focus.
Why does exercise help children focus?
Sitting still for a long time can leave children feeling restless, tired, or distracted, while getting active gives their bodies a chance to use energy and can help them feel ready to motivate themselves and concentrate. Physical activity can improve back-to-school attention levels and performance, while also supporting mood, confidence, and social skills.
This means a quick game before school, a walk to the shops, or an after-school Ultimate Ninja UK session can both tire children out and can help to create a positive back-to-school routine around learning.
Movement can build learning skills
Ultimate Ninja UK offers more than the opportunity to run around, as children need to listen to a safety briefing, remember instructions, make quick decisions, and work out how to complete a challenge.
At our indoor obstacle course in Colchester, children can take on 23 ninja obstacles designed to test skills such as balance, strength, coordination, and focus. The course is suitable for children aged 7+ as well as adults who also fancy challenging themselves.
When a child is standing in front of a tricky obstacle they’ll be wondering where they should put their feet, how they can reach the next part, and whether they should try again if they don’t succeed the first time. This is a great example of physical activity and problem-solving happening at the same time.
Back-to-school energy for the new school year
Back-to-school routines shouldn’t purely focus on homework and getting up early. Making time for physical activity for children can be a fun way to help them settle into the new term. Try walking or cycling where possible, playing outside after school, joining a sports club, or setting a family challenge. Even short bursts of energy can add up and make a positive difference throughout the day.
For children who love a challenge, a visit to Ultimate Ninja UK in Colchester can make exercise feel more like an adventure than a workout. Jumping, climbing, swinging, and balancing all provide opportunities to be active while building confidence and having fun.
As children go back-to-school, remember that a focused mind starts with a moving body. Give children plenty of chances to run, climb, play, and explore, and they’ll return to the classroom feeling happier, more confident, and ready to learn. Book your Ultimate Ninja UK session today and schedule in some fun before the new term starts.