Five Benefits of Swinging

Swings are a childhood favourite, be it at the playground or at our C&K centres. At C&K, we encourage our children to swing, offering many opportunities for this beneficial type of play.

The benefits include:

Spending time outside.

This one is obvious, but the benefits of outdoor play are vast. When children play outside they can develop and hone all seven sensory skills including the senses of proprioception, the vestibular system, touch, hearing, sight, smell, and taste. Additionally, children who play outside take in more Vitamin D.

Great cardiovascular exercise.

Swinging increases heart rate, making it a great cardiovascular exercise. Frequently playing on the swings can help children develop stronger muscles and increase their aerobic capacity. Cardio activities like swinging also help control appetite and reduce stress.

Develops coordination.

Swinging helps children develop coordination because it requires them to engage multiple muscle groups at once. They must engage their core abdominal muscles to stay upright in the centre of the swing, their legs to keep the swing moving, and their arms to hold onto the ropes or chains. This type of exercise also requires children to maintain balance on the swing to keep the momentum of the swing going.

Encourages social development.

Spending unstructured playtime on the swings helps children learn to share, take turns, work as a team, and interact with each other. They create games together and socialize in a way that helps their brain learn how to act around other children their age.

Regulates children’s bodies.

Swinging is a calming motion and is a highly recommended activity particularly for children who are anxious or have been diagnosed with ADHD. Swinging releases endorphins into the body, which makes children feel happier and more focused.