In this edition we present part 2 of a 5 part series discussing the physical benefits for children of playing on a jungle gym - we continue with the benefits of Lower Body Strength and what equipment is best for its development.
The lower body is the foundation of many of our kids’ daily physical activities. Lower body strength is needed to stand, climb stairs, walk and run.
Benefits of Lower body strength
Engaging in exercise that uses the legs and lower core leads to:
Improved bone health - bones are better able to take the impact without fracturing and the risk of osteoporosis later in life is reduced.
Better balance - strengthening the hip, glute and legs muscles stabilises the entire body reducing the risk of falling and getting hurt
Improved posture - building lower body muscles stabilises the entire core improving overall posture and helping to avoid the back and neck pain which are typical symptoms of poor posture.
Playground equipment to develop lower body strength
Most types of weight-bearing exercise are good for improving lower body strength. Weight-bearing exercise is any exercise in which the feet and legs carry the body's weight.
Climbing frames
Any climbing frame which includes ladders, cargo nets, balance beams and balance beam bridges will help children develop their lower body muscles and bones.
Check out the Tarantula, Baby-T and Eye-ex units for good examples of climbing frames to help build lower body strength
Ladders, Arched Ladders and Cargo Nets
Climbing ladders, arched ladders and cargo nets require the child to bear the weight of their body on their legs and to push their body weight up.
In addition to lifting and controlling their own body weight to successfully climb a cargo net, children also need good eye-hand co-ordination to get to the top of the net without slipping through one of the openings.
Balance beams and bridges
Balancing uses the muscles in the lower body—the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calf muscles, and inner thigh muscles to keep the body in alignment. More balancing = more strength in these muscles. Research also shows that balance skills help children to develop better language, improve reading and writing skills, improve concentration and body control.
Contact us if you have would like a playground design to develop lower body strength
Comments