As everyone knows, exercise is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. It improves blood flow, heart rate, releases endorphins, burns off calories, and keeps your body from becoming sedentary – we could go on and on! However, exercise is important across every age range, and children are no exception. During a national effort to get kids moving and tackle obesity rates, the Daily Mile challenge has emerged.
What is the Daily Mile?
The Daily Mile is an opt-in initiative, targeted at schools, to incorporate 15 minutes of daily physical activity into the school day. This can be done at each child’s individual pace, and could be running, walking or jogging. The overall goal is to establish daily exercise as part of a child’s routine, and should be encouraged as a positive movement that contributes towards physical, emotional and social wellbeing.
How do I get involved?
If you are a teacher, work for a school, or are a parent, you can get your school involved with the Daily Mile! According to their website at the time of publication, there are already 14,161 schools and nurseries taking part in the initiative, but the Daily Mile have also provided a helpful letter to parents about getting schools involved with the scheme.
What can PlaySmart do to support the Daily Mile?
As a reputable installer of quality safety surfaces for over 20 years, we understand what makes a good playground more than most. And we know that good exercise can’t take place if it’s not on a good safety surface! Schools need to invest in quality surfacing and professional service in order to ensure the highest level of safety and reliability. We here at PlaySmart have a wide range of safety surfaces suited to children of all ages and abilities to play and exercise on, and can provide you with peace of mind based off of our great client’s feedback, safety testing and No Quibble Guarantee (to name but a few).
Recommended surfaces for the Daily Mile Challenge
When it comes to cardio-related exercises such as running and jogging, special consideration should be taken into account for the surfacing this exercise is carried out on. Unfortunately, children tend to be a bit more rough and tumble, and the surfacing selected could help limit the amount of scraped knees in the nurse’s office!
Green Frog Artificial Grass
Artificial grass really is the gift that keeps on giving (we might be a bit biased, but it’s true!). It has the authentic look of real green grass, with half the maintenance and upkeep, and lasts for years at a time when taken care of properly. Artificial grass is naturally a great surface for exercising on, as it provides more of a cushioned, softer landing for any trips or falls as opposed to harder surfaces (such as concrete or tarmac, for example). Designed to last, Green Frog is equipped with rapid drainage facilities and an exterior that can withstand high footfall traffic. Perfect for getting the whole class active!
JungleMulch
JungleMulch is PlaySmart’s answer to traditional rubber mulch surfacing. Made from recycled tyres and available in a wide range of shades, JungleMulch has the authentic feel that comes with natural bark. Naturally, it is designed to include a water permeable surface, eliminating all worries of puddling water or slip hazards, and facilitating for efficient water drainage instead. As well as its excellent drainage, JungleMulch has the added bonus of a soft landing, thanks to its absorbent rubber makeup. Ideal for outdoor running tracks, nature trails and parks, JungleMulch is an aesthetic and sustainable surfacing solution for your Daily Mile Challenge.
How do I find out more?
If you want to find out more about the Daily Mile Challenge, you can use their contact form here to hear back from them.
If you have queries for PlaySmart about safety surfacing or playgrounds, we are more than happy to help! You can fill in the contact form at the end of this article, or alternatively, call us on 01564 742811.