Exercise is a critical - and often overlooked- part of any SEN child's journey. Appropriate physical movement is critical for any child. Their mental and physical health go hand in hand but most SEN kids cannot engage with mainstream PE lessons or clubs. As a result they miss out on their weekly physical exercise due to high levels of anxiety, low self-esteem, self-stimulatory behaviours, hyperactivity or limited verbal communication.

 

Unlike their peers, there are hardly any opportunities and facilities for individuals with additional needs in London to enjoy the benefits of structured physical activities. Eventually, parents will struggle with stereotypic behaviours, tantrums and meltdowns at home, with homework being left undone and with leisure time being spent in front of the iPad. Those children become even more withdrawn with no self-confidence, resulting in a chronic sedentary lifestyle. 

 

In addition, one of the most common problems nowadays is that children are less active! They tend to live sedentary lives that are driven by technology which involves hardly any physical effort. As a result, these children are exposed to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes type 2, heart disease and obesity. According to the NHS, children and teenagers are supposed to do three types of physical activity each week in order to stay healthy, combined with a nutritious diet.

​

"London's Exceptional Warriors' mission is to provide an opportunity for all children and teenagers, regardless of their ability, to become physically fit, emotionally resilient and confident through a holistic multi-sport approach."

 

Exercise boosts self-esteem, improves concentration and leads to better psychological health. The results are better social skills, resilience and emotional health, which in turn decreases the need for medication. Typical benefits of London's Exceptional Warriors' sessions include:

 

• Improved concentration & focus 

• Energy release 

• More resilience 

• Improved balance & coordination 

• Better emotional & mental health 

• Improved self-perception 

• Boost in self-esteem/self-confidence 

• Improved social skills 

• Stress relief 

• Better sleep 

• Increased stamina 

• Better quality of life