How it all starts

It’s a widely accepted fact that adults who lead sedentary lifestyles see a decline in fitness levels. This principle also applies to children; they need to consistently engage their cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems to stay fit. Unfortunately, a concerning number of children today aren’t getting the physical activity they need. This raises a pressing question: If children adopt sedentary habits early on, how likely are they to become active adults? It’s also worth exploring the current fitness state of today’s children and understanding how it compares to previous generations.

A study conducted by researchers at Essex University provides some insights. When comparing the fitness levels of children from 2008 to those from 1998, the results were startling. The study involved 300 children undertaking a 20-meter shuttle run in 2008, and their performance was measured against results from 1998. The outcome was alarming: a typical 10-year-old from 1998 could outrun 95% of the children tested a decade later. Furthermore, today’s children take an extra 90 seconds, on average, to run a mile compared to their counterparts from three decades ago.

But that’s not the end of the concerning revelations. The same cohort from 2008 displayed a decrease in arm strength when matched against the 1998 group. On average, children from the latter had an arm strength that was 26% superior and boasted a hand grip that was 7% stronger. This finding on grip strength is particularly noteworthy because certain research indicates a correlation between weaker hand grip and increased risk of early mortality. Furthermore, the capacity of an average child to perform sit-ups has dwindled by 27.1%.

In essence, the physical prowess of children has seen a notable decrease over the years, and current indications don’t suggest an impending reversal of this trend.

The Impact of Physical Activity 

“Even in the short term, the effects are remarkable,” observes Dr. Timothy Olds, Professor at the Alliance for Research in Exercise Nutrition and Activity, Sansom Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of Australia. “A single session of physical activity can enhance memory and bolster what’s known as executive function—essentially, our capacity to multitask and make decisions. Over the long run, consistent physical activity correlates with improved academic and school performance.”

Creating a Better Dynamic 

Today’s children, when compared to past generations, exhibit reduced strength and diminished physical literacy. This means they struggle more with basic activities, from executing pushups to maintaining balance while running and simultaneously turning their heads.

This deficiency in physical literacy can hinder their ability to learn new sports and skills, reducing their enjoyment and motivation to stay active. When physical activities cease to be engaging or rewarding, children are less inclined to pursue them. This perpetuates a cycle of inactivity that becomes challenging to break.

 Ask an 8-year-old why they exercise, and they’ll tell you it’s to have fun, make friends, and learn new things. They aren’t going to mention lowering cholesterol or reducing blood pressure. While educators understand these benefits, they aren’t the driving motivators for children.

Studies indicate that children who are active and engage in regular exercise are more inclined to continue these habits into adolescence and adulthood. By introducing enjoyable resistance training and promoting its participation among both girls and boys, both the sports and medical sectors can play pivotal roles in ensuring children grow up with a sustained commitment to physical well-being.