Keeping healthy has always been an important goal for everyone and it is so even more now that we are faced with the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition to maintaining higher levels of hygiene and a healthy diet, exercising is another essential component for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This week, we talked to Shannon Speight, Athletics Coordinator &Primary PE Teacher, to focus on how to help everyone remain active during this extended period of indoor time.

According to Miss Speight, due to the lockdown “Practicing a sedentary lifestyle can be extremely harmful. This inactive way of living can lead to serious issues such as, diabetes, depression and obesity”. Which is why remaining active during this period of virtual learning is essential to both physical and mental health of students.

Although exercising may be challenging due to the current circumstances, there continues to be various ways in which students can be stimulated from the comfort of their homes. These workouts can take “Just 30 minutes of moderate-vigorous exercise per day, and can help boost mood and brain health” she adds.

For parents who are wondering how they can encourage an active lifestyle even with limited resources and space, Miss Speight shares the following tips;

Space and Equipment

Parents should make sure their children have a cleared area so they can move freely without injury.  Yoga mats and rugs are good examples of safe surfaces that can be used for exercise. 

Keep it simple. 

Being active doesn’t have to be complicated; with limited space and equipment, easy movements or fun games that include jumping jacks, frog jumps, hopscotch, or even jumping rope can be excellent ways to get your heart pumping! 

Make use of Technology

There are a plethora of kids’ exercise videos online as well as our PE lessons on OneDrive to keep them moving. 

Join in the Fun

Kids will be more receptive with a workout buddy, so parents are encouraged to join in on the fun!

Below are 5 workouts students can do at home to keep active;

1. Tabata

Tabata is a high-intensity interval training that consists of eight sets of fast-paced exercises each performed for 20 seconds combined with a brief rest of 10 seconds. Workouts can include lunges, burpees and jumping jacks to name a few. 

2. Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a form of martial arts derived from karate. It borrows moves from multiple types of martial arts including full-contact karate, Muay Thai, and boxing.

3. Yoga

There are multiple styles of yoga which combine physical postures, breathing techniques or relaxation.

4. Dance

Like other forms of cardio exercise, dancing also has mood and mind benefits. Students can try hip hop dancing, Zumba or freestyling to incorporate in their daily exercise routine

5. Locomotor movements

Locomotor movements are any movements that take place over some distance. They include crawling, walking, marching, jumping, climbing amongst others.

To get more tips on what kinds of exercises parents can do at home with their children, connect with our dedicated PE teachers through Teams, Zoom and Seesaw.