Unlike former generations, today’s kids spend way too much time in front of
computer screens, tablets and other electronic devices. As a result, many
American children are lacking in upper body strength because they fail to
participate in enough physical activities. In fact, 60 percent of girls and 30
percent of boys can’t even do one simple pull-up. That’s why it’s so important
to include overhead equipment in a commercial playground so that kids can
develop essential motor skills.
Overhead equipment is a type of playground gear that has overhead
components that are made for supporting a child by only using the
hands. In other words, the body’s weight is carried by the hands
only. Here are a few of the main types of overhead equipment and how it develops physical
fitness in children.
Basic Benefits of Overhead Playground Equipment for Children
When kids use overhead playground equipment, they’re engaging in several
overhead exercises as they use their hands to grab overhead bars or other
equipment. This form of play, known as brachiation, involves a child
swinging from one arm to another one. It’s a type of locomotion that helps in
developing physical fitness and improving health. Some of the benefits of brachiation movement include:
- Improved upper body skills
and grip strength - More flexibility of the arms,
shoulders and back - Better eye and hand
coordination - Enhanced distance perception
- Increased arm strength as
muscles are built up - Higher levels of physical
endurance - Lateral weight shift
Popular Types of Overhead Playground Equipment
There are several kinds of overhead equipment commonly used in
commercial playgrounds.
- Monkey bars– While they may not be called “monkey bars” anymore by younger generations, anything resembling the monkey bars of old are still an excellent
type of overhead equipment for developing hand strength, the upper
extremities and coordination. Additionally, consider that an exceptional
vestibular input can be obtained by a child hanging upside down
on monkey bars. - Triple horizontal bars—At Noah’s
Park and Playgrounds, we sell triple horizontal bars. These are three
separate bars at different heights so that various age groups can “hang
around” together at the same time. Also, this overhead equipment can
be used as an ideal chinning trainer, besides for building
a stronger body. It’s designed to be used for kids older than
five years of age. - Horizontal ladder—This popular
overhead playground equipment offers several benefits for younger
children, such as developing endurance and building upper-body strength.
It’s made for kids, ranging in age from 2 to 5 years old. - Ring ladders, another type of
overhead playground equipment, can be used by several children
at the same time. This is one of the best playground equipment you can
find for developing upper body strength.
Are you in the market for commercial playground equipment? Don’t hesitate to
call the playground equipment experts at Noah’s Park and Playgrounds. We pride
ourselves in selling safe, durable commercial playground equipment to churches,
daycare centers, schools, HOAs, sports facilities and other commercial
facilities at competitive prices. Please contact us and learn more
about our wide range of products.
