We are in the heart of summer. Children are out of school, adults are on vacation, and many people are taking some time off to care for themselves, work, or just relax.

While the summer is often associated with the outdoors, many people find that summer is actually their “laziest” time of year. It’s hot outside, the UV is stronger, and – after running around taking kids to school and extracurricular activities for so long – many children AND adults find that they’re just not that active this time of year.

That can be a problem. Staying active is important all year, but there is an argument to be made that staying active is *essential* in the summer, not just for kids, but for adults as well.

Benefits of Staying Physically Active in Summertime

We know that children benefit from physical activity. But what many forget is that summer is often a time where they’re getting very little of *any* healthy activity. They’re not learning as much, they’re not as busy, and they’re certainly not as physically active. Yet this is perhaps the time it matters most. For example:

• Energy – Staying inactive physically AND mentally can sap them of their long term energy. When they start school, they’re starting from a place of low energy, making it harder to get and stay up to speed.
• Tiredness – Working out our bodies and working out our brains both help us sleep better and refresh our bodies. Since our children are not working out their minds as often, working out their bodies helps them tire themselves out for a higher quality sleep.
• Neural Connections – Studies have shown that exercise increases the connections in our brains, and potentially helps make it easier for us to learn. Keeping them exercised not only might keep their brain sharp, but might also make them sharper.
• Routine and Structure – Children benefit from routine, and regular exercise that occurs at a similar time helps them maintain some type of routine and structure, both of which are important for their mental health and preparing for school.
• Confidence – Physical laziness has the potential to reduce their confidence level, while engaging physical activity provides the opposite approach.

Any exercise helps, but Tae Kwon Do is especially powerful as a way to address these issues. It specifically teaches confidence. It occurs at a regular schedule. It works out their bodies AND their minds, and also has secondary benefits like teaching focus and attention. Not only do they get much of the physical activity they need, but they do so in an environment that teaches them skills that will benefit them when school starts.

What About Adults?

Adults need to stay active as well, and Tae Kwon Do is especially useful for this. When kids are in school, it forces you to “get off your rear” as you have to pick them up, take them to places, exercise with them, and more. You’re moving. But when they’re out of school, it’s not uncommon to zone out and allow this time to reduce your own activity level.

Tae Kwon Do addresses this. It can:

• Reduce some of the malaise that comes from your kids being on school hiatus.
• Give you something you can do with them, so that the two of you learn together.
• Provide a chance to stay active in a fun, social atmosphere where you learn something cool.
• Teach you a new skill and activity that enhances your own life – and may make you a little bit “cooler” in the eyes of your child.

For those that are also putting their kids in Tae Kwon Do, it also models the behavior you want to see from them. Children learn even better when they see adults do it too, and this allows you to share an activity with them that helps them grow as individuals.

Join Us at Master P’s World Class Tae Kwon Do

You and your child need to stay active. Come see how Tae Kwon Do can help. Join us for a week free, or consider joining our dynamic August Tae Kwon Do Sports Camp starting next month!

Stay physically active and have fun doing it. Reach out to our team, today.