ESSA releases free eBook promoting physical activity benefits for Australian children

To help encourage Australian children and families to become more active and educate them on the many benefits of physical activity, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) has launched its latest free eBook, “Exercise for Kids”.

The eBook covers a variety of topics within its chapters including breaking down the physical activity guidelines for children; the current screen-time and physical activity levels; exercising with common conditions such as asthma, autism, ADHD, cancers, childhood obesity and mental health; and the importance of sport and strength training.

Exercise and physical activity are vital for the physical, mental and social well-being of Australian kids. To keep healthy, ESSA note that children should be moving for at least 60 minutes a day.

However, with less than 23% of children aged 5–14 undertaking this recommendation every day, physical inactivity is already a serious problem in Australian children and adolescents.

ESSA Chief Executive, Anita Hobson-Powell advises “it’s vital that all children, including those with disabilities or living with chronic conditions, are able to engage in physical activity to stay active and benefit their health long into adulthood.

“This is becoming increasingly more urgent during the current COVID-19 restrictions with parents struggling to keep children active in their day-to-day schedules, especially those who are currently being home-schooled.”

“This eBook has been compiled with the help of Accredited Exercise Physiologists and Accredited Exercise Scientists, the experts of exercise, who are working together to encourage healthy lifestyles for not only children and adolescents, but all Australians.”

The Exercise for Kids eBook is a free resource and a vital tool to be used by those who are involved in the development of children’s health – whether they be coaches, teachers or GPs – but most importantly the eBook is available to parents and guardians.

Hobson-Powell adds “it’s hard to expect children to always want to pick physical activity and sport over screen-time, so as parents, we play an important role in influencing kids to have an active lifestyle. Whether it’s incorporating movement in daily activities from a young age and ensuring it’s fun and simple, signing children up for community sports, or joining them for a backyard game of cricket or soccer, it’s our role to be involved to help get them involved.

“Offering advice from accredited exercise professionals, as well as tips for parents and guardians throughout the chapters, the eBook is a one-stop-shop to help get children more active in a safe way.”

Click here to download the eBook or visit exerciseright.com.au for more information.