Yoga instructor Marnie Galvanin.
Camera IconYoga instructor Marnie Galvanin. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson        d445213

An exercise in choice this summer

Jessica NicoFremantle Gazette

Recent findings from Curtin University’s Centre for Sport and Recreation Research showed children who are more physically active are smarter and have better memories, behaviour, motor skills, concentration and reasoning as well as it being beneficial for their health.

Getting children to be more active in Fremantle this summer is an easy prospect with a range of free and cheap options on offer, from taking them down to the local park, beach or the Esplanade Youth Plaza, to signing them up for children’s yoga at The Meeting Place with Marnie Galvanin.

City of Fremantle community development manager Beverley Bone said the City provided a number of activities in the area to promote healthy living among the whole community, especially children.

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“Being active has physical, social and psychological benefits with participation at early ages helping to establish lifelong habits and healthier communities,” she said.

“The Youth Plaza has provided a central and accessible site in the heart of Fremantle to offer activities for young people and this specialised location allows the City to host skateboarding, scooter, BMX and parkour workshops during the school holidays, which are highly attended and cater for children as young as five.”

For year-round options, Kidz ‘n Sport gives children aged three to nine the chance to take part in a fun exercise program with others their age.

Kidz ‘n Sport franchiser Michael Mellor said there were a range of programs on offer, from skill development for three and four year olds and the chance to work on multi-sport skills for primary aged children.

“We create an amazing environment for young children to develop confidence in playing sport,” he said.

“There is now overwhelming scientific proof that exercise helps and actually speeds up cognitive development and that regular exercise has a major part to play, not only in the physical but also psychological wellbeing of children and adults.

“As the world has become more technologically orientated, children are sitting and are involved in more sedentary tasks, but they need to spend time outdoors getting exercise in order to balance their day.

“Teaching children how to catch, throw, run, move, jump, hit and kick balls and play sport enables them to grasp the skills that will last a lifetime.”

For more details visit Kidz n Sport or for more information about City of Fremantle activities visit Fremantle Story

What can the kids do this summer?

-Yoga classes

-Take the skateboard, BMX or scooter to a local skatepark

-Swim or build sandcastles at a local beach

-Play tag at a local park

-Make up a dance to their favourite song