Now that the festive feasting season is over, time to start getting healthy and working off the calories! But did you know? Exercise has far more benefits than weight loss —playing sports is a way for the family to bond,and can reduce stress and anxiety, improve self-esteem and help develop interpersonal skills as well!
In fact, experts believe children should engage in at least 60 to 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, which can be achieved through a mix of unstructured play and structured sports. So what are you waiting for? From ATV riding to parkour, check out these cool sports that your kids can try, and maybe even join in!
Image source: FaMA
#1 Martial arts
Contrary to what one might think, martial arts isn’t all about fighting! Besides building muscle and honing one’s agility and reflexes, it also requires plenty of discipline to excel. Check out FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) or Muay Thai classes, suitable for children of all ages to pick up basic skills through contests and games (and no sparring is involved), or aikiForest Aikido , where children as young as three years old can train their fundamental motor skills.
Image source: Mud Krank
#2 ATV trail riding
Your family is in for a fun ride at Mud Krank , Singapore’s new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail riding facility. Located at Kranji, this facility offers children and adults a chance for sun, fresh air and off-road adventures. No prior experience is needed as Mud Krank staff will provide training before each ATV ride. You’ll need to come in comfortable long pants and covered shoes though, as only helmets and safety gear will be provided.
Image source: Zovb Singapore
#3 Have a ZOVB party
Imagine running around in a huge, cushioned, inflatable sphere called a ZOVB ball. It might sound like being a hamster on a wheel, but it’s a whole lot of fun if you’re rolling down gentle slopes, knocking down human-sized pins, or even using it to walk on water! So if you’re looking for an adrenaline-charged activity like no other, give ZOVBing a try. There are ZOVB sessions held every Wednesday and Sunday, and activities can be organised for special events like birthday parties.
Image source: Unicycle Singapore
#4 Unicycling
If the family enjoys sports on wheels, unicycling might just be the next hobby to pick up. Far from being a circus trick, unicycling is a great way to tone the muscles—and thankfully, is not as hard to pick up as one might think. Like other wheel-based activities, there are different types of styles and tricks you can learn, so reach out to Unicycle Singapore to kick start classes!
Image source: MOVE Academy
#5 Parkour
Letting your child mimic their favourite action heroes as they run, swing, climb and leap over obstacles in the urban landscape may seem worrying, but with parkour they’ll be able to build the strength and agility to perform these stunts in a safe fashion. Sign up with a school like Superfly Monkey Dragons and Move Academy so your child will go through the proper warm ups and conditioning drills classes needed and pick up the skills in a fun, progressive and safe environment. Also, don’t forget that parkour is suitable for all ages —so no reason you can’t join in and make it a fun, family activity!
Image source: Laser Clay Singapore
#6 Laser clay shooting
If you love laser tag or simply shooting games in the arcade, Laser Clay Shooting might be for you. This trains the same focus and perseverance as other shooting activities, but by using infrared beams and reusable clay, it has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly as well. And if you’re sensitive to loud noises, you’ll be glad to know that the sounds can be adjusted for minimal noise pollution!