If you are a parent, there is a good chance that your childhood games were not confined to tablets and mobile phones. Children of the twentieth century played in the real world, with real people, and it involved a lot of physical activity.
Today, the advancements in science and technology have provided kids with a lot of indoor and online gaming options. This comes at a cost, though. A cost most parents are not willing to pay.
Gadgets and gaming options are keeping our kids glued to the screen, which takes its toll on the health and physical growth of children. This alone is a compelling reason to gift your child a trampoline - it not only serves as a big backyard toy, but also doubles as fitness equipment. Trampolines are beneficial for many reasons, and most of them are suited for children.
1. It’s Fun
Trampolining is fun, and that is the main reason children are attracted to it. Fantasy plays a role, too. Kids today are obsessed with superheroes, and one of the most attractive superhero powers is their ability to fly. Trampolining is the closest a kid can come to flying. The feeling of flying and the freedom that comes with it is every child’s dream.
2. Trampolining is the most effective form of exercise
Trampolining is not just a fun activity for kids, it’s also one of the most effective forms of exercise. Trampolining results in faster heart rates, increased blood - and oxygen circulation, and it helps burn more calories than most other exercises. So, if your child is struggling with obesity, a trampoline might just be the solution.
People, including children, who view their physical activity as exercise are also more likely to overeat. If, however, they view it as a fun activity (and we’ve already established that trampolining is one of the best fun exercises for children), they will eat less. This way it helps with their diet as well.
3. A Breath of Fresh Air!
With easy access to dozens of cartoons and movie channels, hundreds of mobile apps and games, kids have lost the urge to play outdoors. With a backyard trampoline they will be out playing in the fresh air and getting their Vitamin D in the sun. All these benefits, while your kid is having fun.
4. Less Stress and Restlessness
Trampolining helps in relieving stress and restlessness, among individuals of all age groups. This is particularly helpful in special needs children (especially ADHD and autism), as bouncing helps in channelizing their energy and reducing restlessness. Jumping increases oxygen circulation and stimulates the release of naturally mood-enhancing endorphins. Healthy activity and a happy kid – that’s two birds with one stone.
5. Detoxification and Better Immune System
Rebounding on a trampoline stimulates the internal organs and promotes lymphatic circulation, which pushes out toxins and strengthens the immune system. This detoxification flushes out bacteria and viruses.
There is evidence to support the fact that this, in turn, destroys cancerous cells in the body. Now, this is usually not something for children to worry about, but it’s good to know that they build a shield against our most deadly disease.
6. Strengthens Muscles and Bones
The entertainment that our kids have access to in the modern world often keeps them on the couch for hours on end. At a very young age, this sedentary lifestyle keeps their muscles and bones from developing.
Trampolining helps your kids strengthen their bone density, ligaments, and tendons without putting too much strain on the joints, as the surface is flexible. This will later serve as a shield against bone diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis.
Conclusion
We have come a long way from rubbing stones to make fire to controlling room temperature through Artificial Intelligence. This gradual transition to comfort and luxury has changed our lives in ways we are still to discover.
However, somewhere along the way, we opted for lifestyle changes that are not ideal for the health of our children. As a parent, we want the best for our child and a trampoline is just the right toy for their health and growth.
