Advantages of Backyard Swing Sets
According to the Institute of Medicine the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for children 2-5 years old in the last three decades. It has more than tripled for children in the 6-11 year old age bracket. Approx. 9 million children over the age of six are obese. Many factors such as urban and suburban design, introduction to fast foods in the diet, and decreased opportunities for physical activity at school have been cited as reasons for this. Although you cannot control what your children eat or the amount of physical activity your children receive at school, there are things you can do at home. One of these is introducing backyard swing sets or playsets as a form of exercise.
A backyard swing set contains a variety of physical activities that would keep little ones amused for hours. It could be made up of something as simple as a swing, slide, or monkey bars or include accessories for things like punching bags and climbing walls. Swing sets will keep children busy rather than hanging out in front of the computer or television and studies show the younger a child is introduced to physical activities the more likely they will continue in later years through sports and exercising.
Other advantages of an outdoor swingset include enhancement of motor skills, balance, development of strength, and improved reflexes. Also children who exercise or participate in physical activities develop better sleeping habits which is a plus for them and the parents.
With the varying range of types and models of swing sets there is definitely something for everyone and it is recommended that children be included when shopping for a swingset. Many companies such as Willygoat.com sell their sets online and feature all the accessories and hardware you need. Now is the time you should be looking into the swingset as the weather is improving and children will be looking for something to do outside.