Smiles all round for lessons in exercise

Last updated 18:43, Sunday, 25 May 2008

Leg extensions, squats, chest presses, bicep curls... it sounds like a punishing fitness regime, but judging from the smiling faces it’s clear this workout is plenty of fun.

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Stay balanced: Stuart Ruddick calls the moves in the Hackthorpe playground

In fact this is one of the highlights of the week for the determined group of youngsters at Little VIPs nursery in Hackthorpe, near Penrith.

Devised and taught by local personal trainer Stuart Ruddick, the 20-minute fitness programme teaches the children exercises that develop muscle and bone density and improve co-ordination, balance and spatial awareness.

This particular session, for three-to five-year-olds (there are separate sessions for the under-threes) involves warm up games, which get the blood flowing and warm the muscles. Then there is a series of gentle, easy to follow exercises, such as touching toes, reaching for the sky and shoulder presses. Finally, the group catch and roll balls, which improves co-ordination and teaches control of strength.

Stuart also talks to the children about why their bodies need to be fit, healthy and strong.

The sessions have been taking place for just over a year and are the brainchild of nursery owner Mhairi Parker-McLeod. She said: “I have three children myself so really understand the importance of them being physically stimulated.

“Active play and sport is just as important as being mentally active. Starting at this age sets them up for the rest of their lives.

“The children love it when Stuart comes and you can see that after they’ve been outside for their session they are much more focussed. It enhances their numeracy and literacy skills and the benefits are immense.

“The most rapid development happens in ages 0-5. Physical stimulation helps mental stimulation, so these exercises bring everything together.”

And as it was recently reported that one in 10 Cumbrian children start school clinically obese, any early intervention to change this has to be welcomed. And there are other advantages too, as Stuart explains: “Encouraging children to take part in exercise helps develop the muscle and bone density, building and strengthening them, and getting them ready for the rigorous activities of everyday life.

“The thicker the bone density, the less likely they are to break bones in later life. When they grasp the fundamental movements, their body learns when to use certain muscles. Many teenagers, when they start doing sport, use the wrong muscles because their bodies haven’t been trained, so there is more risk of injury.

“The children really enjoy it, and it is great seeing them progress. For example, when I started none of them could catch a ball. Now, a year on, most of them can.”

Then there are the advantages of simply being outdoors, something which has become less popular in an age when there are so many, often unfounded, worries about physical safety and “stranger danger”.

Mhairi, who says the sessions take place outside come rain or shine, says: “Many kids don’t get the opportunity to get out and about but here they go outside, regardless of the weather. After all, if you didn’t go out in Cumbria because of the rain, you’d never go out! It’s easy enough for them to put on their wellies and raincoats. Even in winter on dark afternoons they wear reflective jackets and take torches and explore the garden. It’s not just the exercise sessions we do; we have a vegetable garden and access to woodland trails.

“Children need fresh air – it is invigorating and mentally stimulating. It’s good for their minds and for their bodies, and the benefits are clear to see.”