How Can Lightweight Bikes Help with Your Child’s Physical Development?
3 min read
Boy in helmet riding a blue balance bike (run bike). Happy child learning to keep balance on a training bicycle in the garden. Healthy preschool children summer activity. Kid playing outside. First day on the bike.
It is obviously important for children to be active, but in today’s modern society kids tend to spend more time indoors than out. This can obviously have a negative impact on their physical development. As a parent though, there are things that you can do to help change that. One way is to introduce your child to a love of cycling from a young age. Children who learn how to ride a bike when they are young are more likely to continue cycling as they get older, which will have a positive effect on their health.
If you are thinking of teaching your child to cycle from a young age, the experts at Woom recommend that you look for a lightweight bike for kids, such as a balance bike. As your child moves on to a pedal bike, you should also make sure that this is lightweight as it makes it easier for the child to handle, thus helping to further aid physical development.
How Lightweight Bikes Impact Physical Development in Children
Learning to ride a bike improves a child’s coordination and balance skills. When that bike is lightweight, it makes it easier for the child to steer and maneuver. Lightweight bikes allow children to have more control when turning and balancing while doing so takes less effort on their part.
When children cycle, they build up strength in their muscles; a lightweight bike makes the job of pedaling less strenuous. Trying to ride a heavy bike can put a strain on little leg muscles, making the act of cycling less enjoyable for the child.
Kids who cycle are generally healthier. They will have a healthy weight because they are burning calories and their cardiovascular health will be better as well. Cycling is a terrific aerobic exercise that strengthens not only the heart, but also the lungs. This means that children who cycle are fitter.
Finding the Right Lightweight Bike for Your Child
Whether you are buying your child’s first balance bike or are transitioning to a pedal bike, it makes sense to look for a lightweight bike for kids. The lighter the bike, the easier it will be for your child to manage. However, just because you choose a light bike does not mean it should be made from cheaper materials. In fact, cheaper bikes tend to be those made from heavier steel, which can make it difficult for kids to manage and control.
You might find that a lighter bike is more expensive, but the benefits in terms of your child’s development and enjoyment are well worth the extra expense. High quality lightweight bikes are strong and durable and easier for children to maneuver.
It is important that you choose a bike that will fit your child at the moment and not one that you are hoping they will grow into. Unless the bike fits your child comfortably, they will not enjoy cycling and it could be enough to turn them off the activity altogether. Moreover, a bike that fits your child properly will be safer.
Conclusion
When it comes to kids’ bikes, light bikes are always best. Lightweight balance bikes are ideal for helping children to learn how to cycle in the first place. Moreover, when it comes to moving to a pedal bike, the lighter the better as this will make it easier for your child to develop coordination and balance. Lightweight bikes are easier to control and cycle, helping your child to become physically stronger and fitter. The wonderful thing about learning to ride a lightweight bike is that it encourages a love of cycling that can last a lifetime.
