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Why Children Need to be Physically Active
The Power of Moving
From the time a child is born, they begin seeking ways to navigate the world around them. They learn to roll, sit, crawl, walk, and run. It’s not just natural for a child to be physically active – it’s essential.
In their early years, children develop skills such as jumping off of the curb, climbing into their parents’ bed, and balancing as they walk along the garden wall. Soon they are soaring through the air on a swing, confidently scaling a jungle gym, or effortlessly dribbling a ball down the field.
These seemingly simple actions represent a powerful foundation: physical literacy. Just like literacy with words opens doors to communication and knowledge, physical literacy equips children with the skills and confidence to actively engage in movement throughout their lives.
Why Children Must Develop Fundamental Movement Skills
Physical literacy is about more than just being active. It’s about understanding how the body moves and mastering fundamental skills like running, jumping, throwing and catching. It’s also about developing a love for exploring the world through movement.
More than just athleticism, it's about the competence, confidence, and motivation to enjoy various physical activities for life.
5 Benefits of Childhood Physical Literacy
The benefits of a physically literate childhood go far beyond the playground:
#1 – Physical Health
Regular physical activity strengthens bones and muscles, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and promotes overall well-being.
#2 – Cognitive Development
Exercise boosts brain power, improving memory, attention, and academic performance.
#3 – Mental Health
Physical activity is a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
#4 – Social Skills
Engaging in activities fosters teamwork, communication, and cooperation, building valuable life skills.
#5 – Lifelong Habits
A positive introduction to movement in childhood fosters a love for physical activity, setting children on a path toward healthier lifestyle choices.
How to Help Your Child Become Active
Research shows that many children lack these basic movement skills, hindering their enjoyment and participation in physical activities. So, how can we cultivate a generation of physically literate children?
#1 – Start Early
Encourage movement through exploration, time at the playground, and age-appropriate activities.
Related: Exercise & Strength Training for Children at InnerFight
#2 – Provide Opportunities
Offer varied exposure to a wide variety of physical activities: different sports, games, and outdoor activities, catering to a variety of abilities.
#3 – Focus on Fun
Make physical activity enjoyable by creating a positive and inclusive environment where children feel safe to explore and experiment.
#4 – Lead by Example
Be an active role model and engage in physical activities with your children regularly.
Final Thoughts
By prioritizing physical literacy, we empower children to unlock their full potential. We equip them with the tools to navigate the world confidently, embrace healthy habits, and experience the joy of movement throughout their lives.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
GYMNASTICS
Balance, strength, and control… all while upside down! This Tuesday, we're working on handstand holds and walks, starting from the box and progressing to the wall and beyond.
Chasing your first strict or kipping pull-up? Or looking to add volume? We’ve got the progressions to meet you where you're at and take you further.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's session focuses on building familiarity with the sled pull, accumulating wall ball, and increasing running volume.
MOBILITY
This weekend's session, we’re building on foundational mobility work by integrating core stability with hip and spinal mobility. The goal is to create more controlled, pain-free movement throughout the body, especially in the lower back, hips, and spine.
You’ll begin with a dynamic warm-up to increase circulation and gently mobilise the spine, hips, and shoulders. From there, we’ll focus on targeted mobility drills designed to open up the hips, improve rotational control, and relieve stiffness in the lumbar spine.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we will focus on the squat snatch. Getting comfortable in the squat position with weight overhead.
The Monday Ride
A cycling session at BikeDxb led by Marcus Smith.
Suitable for anyone able to ride 30kph plus on a flat course.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30 am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Sunday - Long Run
A run where we start and finish together. Up to 2hrs long depending on people needs.
If you're interested to join, reach out to Dan Bagley, db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Mushrif Park, location below (Cafe Peloton car park)
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be running blocks of 5 mins at a 7/10 Tempo effort, each with a 2 min recovery. I recommend walking the recovery to ensure that your HR comes down and allows for quality running throughout the session. We will repeat this sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will have 100m efforts of fast runing, with 100m recovery.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running intervals through the park at InnerFight. 100m at a 8/10 into 300m recovery/easy. Aim for 8,10 or 12 reps.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a building tempo set:
2X
8mins 6RPE; 90secs rest
2X
7mins 7RPE; 90secs rest
2X
6mins 8RPE; 90secs rest
Coffees at Common Grounds post run at 7am.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Mushrif Park, location below (Cafe Peloton car park):
Session: Long Run
We have plenty of route options today. This is your steady/easy long run with the community followed by breakfast/coffee.
Monday:
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 - 3 push press
Conditioning:
8 min window
Pool Run
AMRAP
16 DB Hang Squat Clean + Press
5 Burpee Pull-Ups
rest 3 mins
8 min window
Pool run
AMRAP
16 DB Hang Squat Clean
5 Burpees Over DBs
rest 3 mins
8 min window
Pool run
AMRAP
16 DB Hang Clean
5 Burpees
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 9 - 6 barbell floor press / 10 GHD hip extension / 10 weighted sit-ups
B) Deadlift Every 2:30 x 6 - 5 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
15-12-9
Deadlifts
Cal Ski
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 8 - 2 5-10 sec chin over the bar hold into a 5sec Eccentric.
B) Every 75 sec x 6 - 30 sec Ring Rows
Conditioning:
Every 6 minutes
500/400m row
15 box jump
500/400m row
AMRAP box jumps
rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
Strength:
A) EMOM x 5 - 3 seated broad jumps
B) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5 front squat @30X1
C) Every 90 sec x 6 - 12 DB Death march / 6-6 dumbbell lateral lunge
Conditioning:
EMOM 10
20 Double Unders
4 DB Goblet Squats
4 ALT DB Goblet Reverse Lunges
Friday:
C2 Race! Get your team of 4 ready and stay tuned for more details!
From the time a child is born, they begin seeking ways to navigate the world around them. They learn to roll, sit, crawl, walk, and run. It’s not just natural for a child to be physically active – it’s essential.
In their early years, children develop skills such as jumping off of the curb, climbing into their parents’ bed, and balancing as they walk along the garden wall. Soon they are soaring through the air on a swing, confidently scaling a jungle gym, or effortlessly dribbling a ball down the field.
These seemingly simple actions represent a powerful foundation: physical literacy. Just like literacy with words opens doors to communication and knowledge, physical literacy equips children with the skills and confidence to actively engage in movement throughout their lives.
Why Children Must Develop Fundamental Movement Skills
Physical literacy is about more than just being active. It’s about understanding how the body moves and mastering fundamental skills like running, jumping, throwing and catching. It’s also about developing a love for exploring the world through movement.
More than just athleticism, it's about the competence, confidence, and motivation to enjoy various physical activities for life.
5 Benefits of Childhood Physical Literacy
The benefits of a physically literate childhood go far beyond the playground:
#1 – Physical Health
Regular physical activity strengthens bones and muscles, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and promotes overall well-being.
#2 – Cognitive Development
Exercise boosts brain power, improving memory, attention, and academic performance.
#3 – Mental Health
Physical activity is a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
#4 – Social Skills
Engaging in activities fosters teamwork, communication, and cooperation, building valuable life skills.
#5 – Lifelong Habits
A positive introduction to movement in childhood fosters a love for physical activity, setting children on a path toward healthier lifestyle choices.
How to Help Your Child Become Active
Research shows that many children lack these basic movement skills, hindering their enjoyment and participation in physical activities. So, how can we cultivate a generation of physically literate children?
#1 – Start Early
Encourage movement through exploration, time at the playground, and age-appropriate activities.
Related: Exercise & Strength Training for Children at InnerFight
#2 – Provide Opportunities
Offer varied exposure to a wide variety of physical activities: different sports, games, and outdoor activities, catering to a variety of abilities.
#3 – Focus on Fun
Make physical activity enjoyable by creating a positive and inclusive environment where children feel safe to explore and experiment.
#4 – Lead by Example
Be an active role model and engage in physical activities with your children regularly.
Final Thoughts
By prioritizing physical literacy, we empower children to unlock their full potential. We equip them with the tools to navigate the world confidently, embrace healthy habits, and experience the joy of movement throughout their lives.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
The Monday Ride
A cycling session at BikeDxb led by Marcus Smith.
Suitable for anyone able to ride 30kph plus on a flat course.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30 am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Sunday - Long Run
A run where we start and finish together. Up to 2hrs long depending on people needs.
If you're interested to join, reach out to Dan Bagley, db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Mushrif Park, location below (Cafe Peloton car park)
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be running blocks of 5 mins at a 7/10 Tempo effort, each with a 2 min recovery. I recommend walking the recovery to ensure that your HR comes down and allows for quality running throughout the session. We will repeat this sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will have 100m efforts of fast runing, with 100m recovery.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running intervals through the park at InnerFight. 100m at a 8/10 into 300m recovery/easy. Aim for 8,10 or 12 reps.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a building tempo set:
2X
8mins 6RPE; 90secs rest
2X
7mins 7RPE; 90secs rest
2X
6mins 8RPE; 90secs rest
Coffees at Common Grounds post run at 7am.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Mushrif Park, location below (Cafe Peloton car park):
Session: Long Run
We have plenty of route options today. This is your steady/easy long run with the community followed by breakfast/coffee.
Monday:
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 - 3 push press
Conditioning:
8 min window
Pool Run
AMRAP
16 DB Hang Squat Clean + Press
5 Burpee Pull-Ups
rest 3 mins
8 min window
Pool run
AMRAP
16 DB Hang Squat Clean
5 Burpees Over DBs
rest 3 mins
8 min window
Pool run
AMRAP
16 DB Hang Clean
5 Burpees
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 9 - 6 barbell floor press / 10 GHD hip extension / 10 weighted sit-ups
B) Deadlift Every 2:30 x 6 - 5 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
15-12-9
Deadlifts
Cal Ski
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 8 - 2 5-10 sec chin over the bar hold into a 5sec Eccentric.
B) Every 75 sec x 6 - 30 sec Ring Rows
Conditioning:
Every 6 minutes
500/400m row
15 box jump
500/400m row
AMRAP box jumps
rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
Strength:
A) EMOM x 5 - 3 seated broad jumps
B) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5 front squat @30X1
C) Every 90 sec x 6 - 12 DB Death march / 6-6 dumbbell lateral lunge
Conditioning:
EMOM 10
20 Double Unders
4 DB Goblet Squats
4 ALT DB Goblet Reverse Lunges
Friday:
C2 Race! Get your team of 4 ready and stay tuned for more details!
GYMNASTICS
Balance, strength, and control… all while upside down! This Tuesday, we're working on handstand holds and walks, starting from the box and progressing to the wall and beyond.
Chasing your first strict or kipping pull-up? Or looking to add volume? We’ve got the progressions to meet you where you're at and take you further.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's session focuses on building familiarity with the sled pull, accumulating wall ball, and increasing running volume.
MOBILITY
This weekend's session, we’re building on foundational mobility work by integrating core stability with hip and spinal mobility. The goal is to create more controlled, pain-free movement throughout the body, especially in the lower back, hips, and spine.
You’ll begin with a dynamic warm-up to increase circulation and gently mobilise the spine, hips, and shoulders. From there, we’ll focus on targeted mobility drills designed to open up the hips, improve rotational control, and relieve stiffness in the lumbar spine.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we will focus on the squat snatch. Getting comfortable in the squat position with weight overhead.
From the time a child is born, they begin seeking ways to navigate the world around them. They learn to roll, sit, crawl, walk, and run. It’s not just natural for a child to be physically active – it’s essential.
In their early years, children develop skills such as jumping off of the curb, climbing into their parents’ bed, and balancing as they walk along the garden wall. Soon they are soaring through the air on a swing, confidently scaling a jungle gym, or effortlessly dribbling a ball down the field.
These seemingly simple actions represent a powerful foundation: physical literacy. Just like literacy with words opens doors to communication and knowledge, physical literacy equips children with the skills and confidence to actively engage in movement throughout their lives.
Why Children Must Develop Fundamental Movement Skills
Physical literacy is about more than just being active. It’s about understanding how the body moves and mastering fundamental skills like running, jumping, throwing and catching. It’s also about developing a love for exploring the world through movement.
More than just athleticism, it's about the competence, confidence, and motivation to enjoy various physical activities for life.
5 Benefits of Childhood Physical Literacy
The benefits of a physically literate childhood go far beyond the playground:
#1 – Physical Health
Regular physical activity strengthens bones and muscles, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and promotes overall well-being.
#2 – Cognitive Development
Exercise boosts brain power, improving memory, attention, and academic performance.
#3 – Mental Health
Physical activity is a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
#4 – Social Skills
Engaging in activities fosters teamwork, communication, and cooperation, building valuable life skills.
#5 – Lifelong Habits
A positive introduction to movement in childhood fosters a love for physical activity, setting children on a path toward healthier lifestyle choices.
How to Help Your Child Become Active
Research shows that many children lack these basic movement skills, hindering their enjoyment and participation in physical activities. So, how can we cultivate a generation of physically literate children?
#1 – Start Early
Encourage movement through exploration, time at the playground, and age-appropriate activities.
Related: Exercise & Strength Training for Children at InnerFight
#2 – Provide Opportunities
Offer varied exposure to a wide variety of physical activities: different sports, games, and outdoor activities, catering to a variety of abilities.
#3 – Focus on Fun
Make physical activity enjoyable by creating a positive and inclusive environment where children feel safe to explore and experiment.
#4 – Lead by Example
Be an active role model and engage in physical activities with your children regularly.
Final Thoughts
By prioritizing physical literacy, we empower children to unlock their full potential. We equip them with the tools to navigate the world confidently, embrace healthy habits, and experience the joy of movement throughout their lives.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be running blocks of 5 mins at a 7/10 Tempo effort, each with a 2 min recovery. I recommend walking the recovery to ensure that your HR comes down and allows for quality running throughout the session. We will repeat this sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will have 100m efforts of fast runing, with 100m recovery.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running intervals through the park at InnerFight. 100m at a 8/10 into 300m recovery/easy. Aim for 8,10 or 12 reps.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a building tempo set:
2X
8mins 6RPE; 90secs rest
2X
7mins 7RPE; 90secs rest
2X
6mins 8RPE; 90secs rest
Coffees at Common Grounds post run at 7am.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Mushrif Park, location below (Cafe Peloton car park):
Session: Long Run
We have plenty of route options today. This is your steady/easy long run with the community followed by breakfast/coffee.
Monday:
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 - 3 push press
Conditioning:
8 min window
Pool Run
AMRAP
16 DB Hang Squat Clean + Press
5 Burpee Pull-Ups
rest 3 mins
8 min window
Pool run
AMRAP
16 DB Hang Squat Clean
5 Burpees Over DBs
rest 3 mins
8 min window
Pool run
AMRAP
16 DB Hang Clean
5 Burpees
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 9 - 6 barbell floor press / 10 GHD hip extension / 10 weighted sit-ups
B) Deadlift Every 2:30 x 6 - 5 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
15-12-9
Deadlifts
Cal Ski
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 8 - 2 5-10 sec chin over the bar hold into a 5sec Eccentric.
B) Every 75 sec x 6 - 30 sec Ring Rows
Conditioning:
Every 6 minutes
500/400m row
15 box jump
500/400m row
AMRAP box jumps
rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
Strength:
A) EMOM x 5 - 3 seated broad jumps
B) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5 front squat @30X1
C) Every 90 sec x 6 - 12 DB Death march / 6-6 dumbbell lateral lunge
Conditioning:
EMOM 10
20 Double Unders
4 DB Goblet Squats
4 ALT DB Goblet Reverse Lunges
Friday:
C2 Race! Get your team of 4 ready and stay tuned for more details!
GYMNASTICS
Balance, strength, and control… all while upside down! This Tuesday, we're working on handstand holds and walks, starting from the box and progressing to the wall and beyond.
Chasing your first strict or kipping pull-up? Or looking to add volume? We’ve got the progressions to meet you where you're at and take you further.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's session focuses on building familiarity with the sled pull, accumulating wall ball, and increasing running volume.
MOBILITY
This weekend's session, we’re building on foundational mobility work by integrating core stability with hip and spinal mobility. The goal is to create more controlled, pain-free movement throughout the body, especially in the lower back, hips, and spine.
You’ll begin with a dynamic warm-up to increase circulation and gently mobilise the spine, hips, and shoulders. From there, we’ll focus on targeted mobility drills designed to open up the hips, improve rotational control, and relieve stiffness in the lumbar spine.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we will focus on the squat snatch. Getting comfortable in the squat position with weight overhead.
The Monday Ride
A cycling session at BikeDxb led by Marcus Smith.
Suitable for anyone able to ride 30kph plus on a flat course.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30 am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Sunday - Long Run
A run where we start and finish together. Up to 2hrs long depending on people needs.
If you're interested to join, reach out to Dan Bagley, db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Mushrif Park, location below (Cafe Peloton car park)
From the time a child is born, they begin seeking ways to navigate the world around them. They learn to roll, sit, crawl, walk, and run. It’s not just natural for a child to be physically active – it’s essential.
In their early years, children develop skills such as jumping off of the curb, climbing into their parents’ bed, and balancing as they walk along the garden wall. Soon they are soaring through the air on a swing, confidently scaling a jungle gym, or effortlessly dribbling a ball down the field.
These seemingly simple actions represent a powerful foundation: physical literacy. Just like literacy with words opens doors to communication and knowledge, physical literacy equips children with the skills and confidence to actively engage in movement throughout their lives.
Why Children Must Develop Fundamental Movement Skills
Physical literacy is about more than just being active. It’s about understanding how the body moves and mastering fundamental skills like running, jumping, throwing and catching. It’s also about developing a love for exploring the world through movement.
More than just athleticism, it's about the competence, confidence, and motivation to enjoy various physical activities for life.
5 Benefits of Childhood Physical Literacy
The benefits of a physically literate childhood go far beyond the playground:
#1 – Physical Health
Regular physical activity strengthens bones and muscles, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and promotes overall well-being.
#2 – Cognitive Development
Exercise boosts brain power, improving memory, attention, and academic performance.
#3 – Mental Health
Physical activity is a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
#4 – Social Skills
Engaging in activities fosters teamwork, communication, and cooperation, building valuable life skills.
#5 – Lifelong Habits
A positive introduction to movement in childhood fosters a love for physical activity, setting children on a path toward healthier lifestyle choices.
How to Help Your Child Become Active
Research shows that many children lack these basic movement skills, hindering their enjoyment and participation in physical activities. So, how can we cultivate a generation of physically literate children?
#1 – Start Early
Encourage movement through exploration, time at the playground, and age-appropriate activities.
Related: Exercise & Strength Training for Children at InnerFight
#2 – Provide Opportunities
Offer varied exposure to a wide variety of physical activities: different sports, games, and outdoor activities, catering to a variety of abilities.
#3 – Focus on Fun
Make physical activity enjoyable by creating a positive and inclusive environment where children feel safe to explore and experiment.
#4 – Lead by Example
Be an active role model and engage in physical activities with your children regularly.
Final Thoughts
By prioritizing physical literacy, we empower children to unlock their full potential. We equip them with the tools to navigate the world confidently, embrace healthy habits, and experience the joy of movement throughout their lives.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
From the time a child is born, they begin seeking ways to navigate the world around them. They learn to roll, sit, crawl, walk, and run. It’s not just natural for a child to be physically active – it’s essential.
In their early years, children develop skills such as jumping off of the curb, climbing into their parents’ bed, and balancing as they walk along the garden wall. Soon they are soaring through the air on a swing, confidently scaling a jungle gym, or effortlessly dribbling a ball down the field.
These seemingly simple actions represent a powerful foundation: physical literacy. Just like literacy with words opens doors to communication and knowledge, physical literacy equips children with the skills and confidence to actively engage in movement throughout their lives.
Why Children Must Develop Fundamental Movement Skills
Physical literacy is about more than just being active. It’s about understanding how the body moves and mastering fundamental skills like running, jumping, throwing and catching. It’s also about developing a love for exploring the world through movement.
More than just athleticism, it's about the competence, confidence, and motivation to enjoy various physical activities for life.
5 Benefits of Childhood Physical Literacy
The benefits of a physically literate childhood go far beyond the playground:
#1 – Physical Health
Regular physical activity strengthens bones and muscles, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and promotes overall well-being.
#2 – Cognitive Development
Exercise boosts brain power, improving memory, attention, and academic performance.
#3 – Mental Health
Physical activity is a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
#4 – Social Skills
Engaging in activities fosters teamwork, communication, and cooperation, building valuable life skills.
#5 – Lifelong Habits
A positive introduction to movement in childhood fosters a love for physical activity, setting children on a path toward healthier lifestyle choices.
How to Help Your Child Become Active
Research shows that many children lack these basic movement skills, hindering their enjoyment and participation in physical activities. So, how can we cultivate a generation of physically literate children?
#1 – Start Early
Encourage movement through exploration, time at the playground, and age-appropriate activities.
Related: Exercise & Strength Training for Children at InnerFight
#2 – Provide Opportunities
Offer varied exposure to a wide variety of physical activities: different sports, games, and outdoor activities, catering to a variety of abilities.
#3 – Focus on Fun
Make physical activity enjoyable by creating a positive and inclusive environment where children feel safe to explore and experiment.
#4 – Lead by Example
Be an active role model and engage in physical activities with your children regularly.
Final Thoughts
By prioritizing physical literacy, we empower children to unlock their full potential. We equip them with the tools to navigate the world confidently, embrace healthy habits, and experience the joy of movement throughout their lives.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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