As a parent, it is important to realize the benefits of cycling for children from an early age.
Besides being easy to do, this type of exercise also has some benefits, one of which is helping children to build an active lifestyle.
That way, children will tend to prefer spending time outdoors rather than playing in front of gadgets all day.
If you are interested in taking your kids cycling, let's take a look at the benefits and what you need to prepare here!
Benefits of Cycling for Children
There are some benefits of cycling for children that you need to know, including the following:
1. Reduces Stress
The first benefit of cycling for kids is that it can help reduce stress.
When children feel tired from their busy schedules at school, this can usually affect their mood.
Therefore, invite them to go outside and cycle for a while.
While cycling, the body will naturally increase endorphin levels, which will have a positive impact on their mental health [1].
2. Improves Socialization Skills
Besides having a good impact on mental health, did you know that the benefits of cycling for children also affect their socialization skills?
Cycling is an excellent technique to encourage children to interact with their surroundings.
This is because when they are outside, they are more likely to meet new people and interact with them. Your child can also get to know your neighbors.
3. Boosts Self-Confidence
Allowing children to engage with others while cycling helps them boost their self-confidence.
4. Increases Children's Muscle Mass and Bone Strength
Do you know what the benefits of cycling are for growing children?
According to research, children with regular cycling habits have more muscle mass than those who don't [1].
In addition, cycling can also improve children's bone strength.
Of course, this is very important because children's bones are still fully grown until they are 20 years old [1].
5. Introduce a Healthy Lifestyle
Cycling is an effective way to start an active lifestyle habit so that children can grow into adults with a healthy lifestyle.
Cycling is not only healthy, but it is also fun for kids as it allows them to interact with the outside world and experience fresh air.
6. Reduce Screen Time
Since the arrival of gadgets, parents can easily leave their children in the comfort of their homes.
While this technology is beneficial, sitting in front of a screen all day is not good for their health.
On the contrary, spending time outside, such as on a bike, is essential for children to get fit.
Apart from the physical side, the benefits of cycling for children also lie in life skills, such as independence, social interaction, creativity, and problem solving [1].
Safe Tips for Children When Playing Bicycle
Now that you know the benefits of cycling for children, you also need to learn how to be safe when taking them to ride a bicycle.
This is because children still don't have high alertness when riding, especially if they are under 10 years old [2].
So, as a parent, it is not recommended that you take your children cycling in a crowded environment, such as a highway, without close supervision.
If you want to take them cycling, you can use your yard or a field to make it safer.
In addition, the equipment used when cycling must also be safe.
For example, make sure that the bicycle is functioning properly, that there are no loose bolts or chains, or that the brakes are not working.
Don't forget to also prepare equipment that can be worn by children, one of which is a bicycle helmet.
Then, adjust the child's height to the size of the bicycle. Set the saddle in the right position so that their feet can step on the ground when they stop.
Those are some of the benefits of cycling for children and things that need to be considered.
To prevent dehydration while playing bicycle, make sure to always provide them with water.
To make it more practical, you can equip them with AQUA 600ml bottles produced from the best spring water sources.
The quality of the water is maintained because AQUA always pays attention to the product packaging process so as to avoid the risk of dangerous contamination to the customer’s hands.
So, let's always encourage children to be active and make sure to have #AQUADULU available in every activity!
Read also: 8 Forms of Speed Exercises to Make Your Body More Agile
