Article by New Patch
I remember the first time I built stilts. I’m not sure where I got the idea from, but my dad gave me some leftover pieces of wood that he had and helped me built my first set. They were basically 2 long pieces of wood along with a wedge shaped piece at the bottom which you used to put your feet on.
At first, it was difficult coordinating my arms and legs, but I eventually got the hang of it. It wasn’t long before I started to extend my stilts higher and tweak them to be more comfortable.
Today’s stilts are far more comfortable and light weight. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from beginners to experts. For beginners, they have monster feet, which look like upside down cups with stings to hold on to. For experts, they have spring loaded stilts used for jumping and running.
The price of stilts varies depending on the materials (plastic, wood or aluminum) used or the skill level that you’re at. A good starting pair of stilts can cost about $ 35.00, and the expert ones upwards of $ 300.00. I know you’re probably saying to yourself that $ 300.00 is a lot of money for a pair of stilts, and it is, but, if you saw a pair of these stilts you’ll be amazed at the build and technology of them.
Getting your child a pair of stilts, or introducing them to stilts, will entice them to go outside and be active. With today’s technology, everyone is either on the computer, watching TV, or doing something that doesn’t require much movement, other than moving their fingers. Stilts will be a fun way to get your child off the couch or computer and exercise.
Stilts can also help your child develop their balance and coordination skills. It gets them used to using their arms and legs together while applying their sense of balance. And at this age it’s very important that children get used to these movements so they can apply them later. Riding a bike has certain similarities to using stilts, in that; they both use the arms and legs together with balance. So does, playing basketball, baseball, or swimming.
Also, beginner stilts are low to the ground and light in weight, so the possibility of getting hurt is minimal.
For all these reasons and more, I think stilts are a good way of keeping your child active and helping them to develop essential skills such as balance and coordination.
For the largest information on stilts please visit my Stilts Page.
Through the years, New Patch has been researching and developing articles on various subjects and interests. His subject matter is both interesting and informative.
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