Adam Peaty winning Team GB’s first gold medal of the 2016 Olympics could be a good sign..
New research suggests that Britain’s children are becoming increasingly sedentary. The survey found that a quarter of UK parents think their kids are not doing enough exercise (26%) while 4 in 10 believe their children do less physical activities than they did at the same age.
Four of the top five most popular summer holiday family activities were sedentary including cinema trips, visits to theme parks, using computers or watching dvds or leaving the kids to entertain themselves. The one physical activity to buck the trend was swimming, with over half (53%) of British families stating they will be taking a trip to their local swimming pool this summer.
The findings reflect the significant growth in swimming participation growth reported by swimming pools in Better Leisure Centres – up 38 per cent since 2012.
Attracting 16 million visits per year in 2015, and over 100,000 people taking swimming lessons each week on its Better swim school, the popularity of swimming is returning with these figures representing a 12% like for like increase on the previous year.
The facilities range from The London Aquatics Centre to Leisure Pools and Outdoor lidos, providing activites like Extreme Aquasplash – a Total Wipeout style inflatable assault course – to family swimming sessions inspired by Finding Dory, there is something for all ages and abilities.
There has also been an increase in the amount of people interested in acquiring a new skill this summer with intensive swimming lessons and the Tom Daley Diving Academy providing the opportunity to learn, have fun and be inspired.
36% of parents believe the Games will encourage their children to take up more exercise this summer, with Jessica Ennis-Hill cited as Britain’s most inspiring athlete. With Adam Peaty winning gold and setting a new world record in the 100 metre breaststroke, now is a great chance for swimming to become even more popular with children.
GLL is committed to getting more people more active this summer – kids using their local Better Leisure Centres this summer benefit from a 30% discount and free membership card – helping them emulate their heroes of track and pool.
To take advantage of this offer parents or guardians must sign their child up for a free Better Activities for Kids Card at any Better leisure centre or online at: www.better.org.uk/summer
Better are also linking up with ‘I am Team GB’ to create the UK’s biggest sports day on August 27th. Help welcome back a successful Team GB by taking part in sports sessions. Click here for more information.
