Young and sedentary: When we talk about the new generations, besides mentioning their propensity for isolation and technological alienation, we cannot help it but speak about the propensity of today’s children to remain firmer and physically inactive. But how important is the daily use of smartphones and tablets? We talk about this topic with Dr. Stefano Respizzi, director of the Department of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery in Humanitas.

The importance of choosing the right sport for you

Pleasant exercise is an essential element in ensuring that children and young people are on the right path. It is also the secret of constancy in the physical activity of adults. Regular training during adolescence increases the likelihood that the child will develop an attitude towards movement and that he will be active in this style in the years to come. “It is good that the practice of a regular recreational and sporting activity is part of a healthy lifestyle – explained Dr. Respizzi: this provides a balanced diet and an active life, starting from the simplest daily habits, preferring walking or cycling and stairs to lifts and escalators.

The advantages of team sports

The recreational and sporting activities guarantee a complete development for the children. Despite this evidence, children spend little time on physical activity and have very limited motor skills. “As the years have gone by, the social dimension of sport has been somewhat lost – the specialist points out – Team sports, on the other hand, are extremely important for our youngsters, not only because they encourage their correct development, but also because they strengthen their motor skills and increase their ability to work together to achieve a common goal. It is good to leave the children free to experience different activities as well: the important thing is that they are active. Too often adults focus on results, but competition and excessive pressure can sometimes act as a disincentive for children to leave the sport.