Swimming
Swimming has gained popularity due to much broader access to swimming pools and water parks, and because it can be an activity for the whole family (you can find facilities accessible with the MultiSport Kids Aqua Card here). So, it is no wonder that swimming is high on the list of sport disciplines that are popular with kids. It helps them maintain a healthy weight, prevents posture disorders and develops cardiopulmonary capacity. It is also good for the respiratory system and prevents asthma issues.
You can read more fun facts about swimming HERE.
Climbing
You can find a climbing wall in virtually any local sports centre. Accessing that sport is very easy – all you need is a little good will and the right shoes to start working out with your child. Climbing builds strength, endurance and agility. It also improves motor coordination and spatial imagination. It helps you understand better the limits of your own body and improve your problem-solving skills.
Bicycle
“Bicycle” rather than “cycling” because your child can benefit from bicycle riding without regular training programmes in a cycling school. Going for a bike ride is in itself an outdoor activity. Bicycle riding also helps develop cardiopulmonary capacity; it prevents obesity and supports overall motor development of a child. Riding a bicycle also has a positive impact on concentration, cognitive functions of the brain and sleep quality.
Tennis / table tennis
Even though media usually report on the successes of our female tennis players, table tennis can be an interesting option for children who live a long distance from the nearest tennis school or a public tennis court. Both disciplines have an excellent impact on the psychomotor development of the child, and they will stimulate its speed, reflexes and motor coordination. Tennis and table tennis are also very social disciplines and develop social skills early on.
For more information about tennis go HERE.
Dancing
Popular TV shows translated into higher popularity of dance classes among adults and children alike. With easier access to dance schools, even the youngest children can start classes at an age when they develop musical hearing and a sense of rhythm during musical plays. Dancing develops overall motor skills and motor coordination, while being a very safe discipline – there is virtually no risk of injury at the early stages of training.
For more information about benefits of dancing go HERE.
Gymnastics / sports acrobatics
Folk wisdom claims that gymnastics improves flexibility of body and mind. There is some truth in that saying because exercise engages both sides of the brain, thus stimulating the development of neural connections and cognitive functions. Starting with simple motor games and transitioning to increasingly complex movement patterns and gymnastics moves, we teach our children broader awareness of their own body and of the space. We also give them an excellent starting point for pursuing many other sports disciplines when they are older.
Rollerblading / roller skating / ice skating
Rollerblading is an accessible and interesting way to encourage your child to take up outdoor activities. The youngest children will find it more interesting than running and it will give them the same health benefits – it will help develop their motor coordination, prevent obesity and build their endurance. Rollerblading also develops muscles that are responsible for the correct body posture and supports a sense of static and dynamic balance.
Martial arts
Martial arts training for children is not about competing and defeating opponents; the focus is rather on working with their own bodies and emotions. The youngest learners of martial arts work on their motor coordination, spatial orientation and basic body control. It is only at the later stages that they learn the elements of fight – however, at the light- or no-contact formula.
You will find more information about benefits of martial arts HERE.
Volleyball / basketball
Team sports are an interesting and a relatively easy alternative to soccer and they can be played close to home. Wherever there is some space to play volleyball or basketball, kids will use it. Those disciplines promote overall physical development of a child; they are relatively safe, and interest in those sport disciplines may lead to regular training in school sports teams or children sections at more professional training centres.
Horseback riding
Even though benefits of horseback riding are mostly mentioned in terms of hippotherapy, it is still an activity that promotes all-round development of a child. Horseback riding supports the correct development of the back and muscles responsible for the correct body posture. Being around an animal develops sensitivity and responsibility, while building self-confidence. Limited availability of stud farms and riding instructors is the only limitation.
If you want to encourage your child to take up a physical activity, it is imperative that you must not impose your own ambitions (whether fulfilled or not) on your child. The most important thing at the early stages of the adventure with sports is to try many different activities together and observe which activity your child enjoys most (the MultiSport Kids Card can make it easier – to find out what it offers, go HERE). Later on, you can gradually focus on a specific discipline and look for a coach who will build rapport with your child before embarking on more serious training.
It is worth keeping in mind that the role of sports in the child’s development is primarily fun. Too early and too strong pressure on competition and results may lead to parental problems or discourage your child from any activity. In a nutshell, if you expect results and a trophy wall, you’d better wait patiently and keep in mind that they are not the most important thing in the world.
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References:
https://bluemedia.pl/baza-wiedzy/badania-i-raporty/jakie-sporty-uprawiaja-polskie-dzieci-raport
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19317518/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28888193/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29054748/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19014963/
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/139/2/e20161985/60107/Cybercycling-Effects-on-Classroom-Behavior-in
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33799620/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36779276/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24739083/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28220146/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21729249/