Children's fitness levels are declining

Children and young people are spending an increasing amount of time with computers, mobile phones and televisions. While these devices provide them with social interaction and entertainment, they don't require physical activity. As a consequence, children's fitness levels are declining. This issue is important because there is overwhelming evidence that higher levels of physical activity are associated with better physical and mental health.

Child obesity is a growing problem

The World Health Organization now describes the prevalence of obesity as an epidemic. The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with one out of three kids now considered overweight or obese. In Australia and New Zealand, one child in five (20%) is overweight and 10% are obese.

Kids just want to have fun

We've been in the play-fitness business for more than 20 years. During that time we have learned that children and teens live more in the present. They avoid boring activities that look too much like 'work'. During their own time, they want the immediate reward of fun; the long-term rewards of fitness are entirely secondary.

Our playgrounds, confidence courses and fitness trails are designed to promote fitness and strength; however we know that unless our activities are irresistible, no gains will be made.

One style of playground can't suit them all

Children play differently at each stage of the growing up process, which is why we offer a total range of products.

Ages 4 to 7: When they first arrive at school, around age five, children like to play in clusters and often use playground equipment to create imaginary places. It's important to support their imaginations by providing a versatile environment that can be a pirate ship one day, a fairy castle the next. Young children are less coordinated and have limited upper body strength, so climbing and balancing events need to stay close to the ground. Bright colours appeal to this age group.

Ages 8 to 14: Older children like to play in circuits, often inventing games with quite complicated rules. Circuit-style confidence courses support their fun, because games can flow naturally around the events. Sporty, physically-gifted children need events that challenge them; they might try completing an overhead ladder two rungs at a time. Less able children need to be able to stretch their personal boundaries and experience the satisfaction of success, in an environment that allows them to assess the risks for themselves In between events. All children like the chance to socialise and make friends.