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Balance Bikes: Why Balance Training Can Really Help the kids Live Longer

As we get older our sense of balance tends to drift. In the elderly a loss of balance can lead to a fear of falling and resulting dread of going out or living alone. Fortunately doctors have found that balance, which appears to come naturally, is a learned skill. With training a good sense of balance will return and like many skills it returns more quickly where it was well developed in the first place.

Most of us get some sort of sense of balance simply by doing; by walking around. But since balance degrades with age, having a great sense of balance to start with can make a huge difference to later quality of life. So how can we improve our children’s sense of balance? One way to do this is through balance training and as always this is most successful if approached as play.

In order to learn it by play, a balance bike is the perfect balance training tool. It encourage children to play and lead them gently on to balance at their own pace. Balance bikes like the Strider bike are just the right size for toddlers because they can sit on the seat with their feet on the ground.

Initially, they will walk around and pushing their bike with their feet and it won’t be long that they are picking up and cycling around with ease. So even for very young children, they can grasp it pretty fast as they are good in balancing.

Balance bikes are like any other bicycle, but are usually far smaller, low to the ground and very light weight, with adjustable handlebars and seat.  Some models have removable pedals so they can be used as balance bikes until the child is ready, then they can take over as a first, full pedal cycle.

Riding a bike is not only great training in balance, it’s also good exercise.  Balance bikes can enhance your child’s life at every stage.  

They are a fun toy in childhood and teach balance.  In adulthood bike riding and other activities which require balance are safer. As your child approaches retirement, a good sense of balance will help them enjoy their well earned retirement and increase their quality of life.