With the advancement of technology and the popularity of digital devices such as smartphones and tablets, we seem to be in an age where outdoor play is dwindling.
This means it can be a bit of challenge to encourage kids to get outside, but while digitalization has offered a set of benefits, it should not be at the expense of physical exercise!
Buying a bike for your child and teaching them how to ride is a fantastic way to entice them out to enjoy some active play. Not only is it a lot of fun, but has a range of benefits itself.
Here are some good physical and mental health reasons to buy a kids bike and teach your child how to ride:
- Works Cardiovascular Muscles
I think most of us know that cycling is a great form of cardiovascular exercise. It raises heart rate that then accelerates stamina in the body.
This type of exercise helps children to reach or maintain their optimal weight for their age and size.
- Strengthens Muscle Mass
While it is pretty easy to see how cycling strengthens leg muscles, it also builds muscle mass for the entire body — important to young growing bodies.
Children do not need to cycle fast to develop muscle strength, as even slow, consistent riding will provide a positive impact in the long run.
- Stress Reliever
Like many other exercises, cycling is an excellent way to help relieve stress in your child’s life. Sometimes kids can feel overwhelmed, whether it is from a busy school day or events happening at home.
Riding a bike lets them disconnect from other stresses and recharge their energy. You will likely notice that worry comes down after riding their bike.
- Boosts Self-Confidence
Having their very own bike and going cycling boosts self-confidence in children. With the ability to move independently, kids become more aware of their surroundings and start to feel more responsible.
Learning and then slowly mastering their ability to ride and stay on a bike is also reinforces their confidence.
- Opportunities For Socializing
Going cycling with a bunch of friends and their bikes becomes a wonderful opportunity for your child to socialize. Whether it is friends from school or forming new relationships with kids in the neighborhood, riding provides an activity where everyone can get involved and have fun.
This allows for communication skills to develop, as well as a child’s ability to interact with different peers.
- Improves Brain Health
Cycling requires control and coordination, an example of skills that improve brain health. Studies have shown that kids that ride to school have better attention and perform better in tasks.
Riding a bike is a perfect way to keep brains healthy.
- Bonding And Mental Health
Mental health and emotion wellness are crucial to a child’s development. Cycling is a way for parents and siblings to come together for a fun activity, that also offers opportunities for bonding.
Kids can create long-lasting memories of day trips riding with their family, positive experiences that assist with overall mental health.
