Skating For Children
Skating is a sports activity that dates back a long time. In fact, it is said that its origin dates back to the 18th century. And despite the passage of time, its popularity does not decrease. On the contrary, it increases. Next, we will see the main advantages of skating for children.
The possibility of “rolling” around the world and feeling almost as if one were capable of flying seduces many children. In addition, this walking on two or four wheels with the impulse of the own body allows to make many artistic figures. At the same time, these require great physical gifts to maintain balance and avoid painful falls.
Skating for children is the hotbed of the great skating competitions worldwide, such as the Olympic Games or the World Championship. As a sport, it offers great benefits to the health of the little ones and contributes, like the rest of the physical activities, to their full development.
Different types of skating for children
In the first place, what the child must decide is in which skating discipline he will want to start. For this decision, the possibilities offered by nearby clubs and institutions, as well as the preferences of the child, must be taken into account. Skating is divided as follows:
- Standard skating. It is the one carried out on any terrain and without competitive purposes. It is also called fitness skating. Many use it to exercise and improve their endurance.
- Urban skating. Also known as freeride. Its setting is the street and it uses the different elements in it to create obstacles.
- Figure skating. It can be on wheels or on ice. Its purpose is to make artistic figures that, in competitions, are evaluated by a jury.
- Speed skating. They are races on skates. It can be done on ice, on a short track or online. It is an adrenaline-charged discipline that has many followers.
- Freestyle slalom. It consists of executing tricks avoiding cones located at different distances. Skates with wheels distributed in a particular way are used to facilitate maneuvering.
- Aggressive skating. This discipline incorporates figures and flights, some very risky. Style preferred by teenagers, use benches, railings, stairs or steps as obstacles for stunts.
- Off-road skating. It is also called cross skating . It is used to circulate outdoors. Many practitioners of this style of skating use poles or inner tubes to avoid unfavorable scenarios.
3 great benefits of skating for children
Among the main advantages that skating for children presents, we can list the following:
Contributes to the proper functioning of the body
Skating greatly exercises endurance, as it requires significant efforts over long periods of time. Therefore, the heart becomes more efficient at pumping blood and lung capacity also increases.
It is also a great way to work your leg muscles. These are the main responsible for almost all movements, such as accelerating and braking. To bend and maneuver, the help of the limbs and trunk is also needed.
Last but not least, it is an ideal aerobic activity to burn calories. This is why many people practice it during adulthood.
Improves body coordination
If there is something that cannot be discussed about skating, it is that you need balance to practice it. To move, the coordination between the different parts of our body must be almost perfect.
In addition, skating for children also improves mental functions. If we are not attentive to the journey and focused on our movements, surely a painful fall awaits us.
Promotes social relationships
Like any sport, skating is a fundamental link when it comes to creating bonds of friendship and camaraderie with others. Group practices favor mutual collaboration and interactions with instructors and judges make children understand the importance of constructive criticism.
Cautions to consider when skating
Given the complexity of some maneuvers or the speed at which the skater moves, certain preventive measures must be taken into account. The main one is the helmet, but beginners should also wear knee pads, elbow pads and wrist pads.
In addition, skating on uneven, wet or very steep surfaces should be avoided. As for clothing, comfortable clothing that allows movements of all kinds is recommended.
Finally, it is worth clarifying that skating, in any of its disciplines, is not a girl’s sport. This is an outdated prejudice and today there are many famous skaters worldwide. If your son or daughter is looking for new experiences, skating is one that you should not leave out.
