Movement in Fun, Not competition

Stress is known to not be good for overall health. Beyond general health, the effects of stress on a child's mental development is tremendous. A brain cannot properly process and develop while under stress. This is why movement in a non-competitive environment is important for a child's health and development. Competitive sports are great and have their place; however, in a world full of many people struggling with mental health, anxiety, and chronic stress from an early age it is important to have an outlet to move for the fun of it, not because you want to win. This also helps to develop life long movers who enjoy taking care of their health EVEN WHEN THEIR BODY IS AGING AND THEY NO LONGER ARE AT WINNING CAPACITY.

It is common to hear a child or adult say they would do race, or play a game or do something, but they are sore, or they didn't get enough sleep, or they haven't had the right meal. Too often this idea of waiting for a time when the elements are perfect keeps individuals from enjoying movement and embracing the journey of just enjoying pursuing a healthy lifestyle for no one else but themselves and the person it allows them to be for their loved ones and the world around them.

When children are given a space that encourages movement without competition it helps them reduce stress from the need to be "perfect" or "good enough" or "better than". Once stress is reduced the brain can function and develop more fully which will actually accelerate the learning process of gaining new skills (in movement AND in life).

In some games our classes include elements of fun competition in a healthy environment where the ultimate focus is becoming better than you were yesterday instead of being better than another student in class. In this environment we can celebrate with others when they succeed and be motivate and inspired by those better than us!