We all know that a healthy child is a happy one. That’s why it is so important for them to be as active as possible. Of course, that can be a challenge in today’s world, where free time is often spent being inactive and plugged into any number of devices. Here is a look at some of the best outdoor sports for children and the benefits they provide.
Ball games
Kids love ball games, and there are so many of them. Children can learn precise techniques from a field hockey drill, fir example, or they can simply go to the park with a football. The benefits range from physical strength, hand eye co-ordination, and balance to discipline, team work and leadership. Football is a great game for kids, encouraging cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, co-ordination, balance and weight control. It also has many social benefits, including the development of self esteem, which is becoming more and more important for our young people today, not to mention discipline and team work.
Get on your bike
Most of us can remember learning to ride a bike and the great sense of achievement and freedom we felt when we succeeded. It’s a fabulous form of exercise, although it’s worth being aware of safety aspects such as always wearing a helmet and riding on the pavement rather than the road if a child is under the age of 16. In addition to building up leg strength and balance, cycling is also good for environmental awareness and family bonding.
Get your skates on
Skating is a skill to be mastered. In fact, it’s a bit like the game of hockey, and drills like those at https://www.sportplan.net/drills/Hockey/ show just how carefully this skill can be refined. Skating has great physical benefits. A word of caution, however: if your child is keen to skate, make sure they have all the proper equipment before they get started. This includes a helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist guards. You should always choose skates with brakes.
These feet were made for walking
Nothing beats good, old-fashioned walking, an exercise that is perfect for kids who don’t like games or real exertion. It is a really great way to get around and be at one with nature while staying in shape.
