Recess as Good as Gym Class in Terms of Health Impact

"Researchers at the University of Exeter have found that kids' natural short bursts of play energy contribute just as much to a healthy lifestyle as longer bouts of organized exercise, such as gym class," according to sports columnist Dan Peterson.

Researchers, Michelle Stone and Roger Eston of Exeter's School of Sport and Health Sciences reported their findings in the April edition of the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity.

However, they hestitate to say that more recess and less physical education in our schools is the way without further research. Maybe, according to Stone, "If future research backs up our findings, we would do better to encourage young children to do what they do naturally, rather than trying to enforce long exercise sessions on them. This could be a useful way of improving enjoyment and sustainability of healthy physical activity levels in childhood."

More on Recess As Good As.........