BMX protective gear for families riding together: BMX helmet options & more

If you watch television, listen to the radio or surf the ‘net, you’re sure to hear BMX news.

Because of the 2008 Summer Olympics, the Summer X Games and the AST Dew Tours, BMX is becoming an increasingly popular and prominent sport, one that you can pursue by yourself – or, better yet, with your entire family.

With a BMX bike and the correct BMX protective gear, you and yours will be ready to start riding!

Unlike some other action sports with expensive equipment, you can get ready to ride BMX without spending huge amounts of cash. BMX bikes can often be found, used, for as little as $50. You’ll also need the following BMX protective gear:

• A properly fitting certified BMX helmet; although you can start out with an open face BMX helmet, as you begin to ride more aggressively, you’ll want to switch to a full face BMX helmet.
• BMX pads: if you wear BMX pads for your knees, then you can wear a pair of shorts while riding; if you wear BMX pads for your elbows, then you can wear a short sleeved shirt. In both cases, the BMX pads will provide significantly more protection while you ride.
• A pair of quality BMX gloves to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions if you fall; some pairs of BMX gloves also come with wrist support.

Once you have the appropriate BMX protective gear, your family can enjoy an activity that promotes fitness and promotes mental keenness.

It’s important to involve children and teens in healthful activities to promote good health and to combat the rising trend of childhood obesity. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES, 1999-2004) noted that 17.9 percent of males and 16 percent of females, ages 12 through 19, were already obese. Inactive children often grow up to be inactive adults, with challenging health issues.Becoming involved in a fun sport, such as BMX, can promote healthy living. It also helps the entire family increase their strength, endurance, agility and balance. Plus, it’s fun!

As your skills continue to improve and evolve, your BMX protective gear will need to do the same.The more you learn about BMX, the more likely it is that you’ll want to ride more aggressively and begin to race in competitions. At that point, if you’ve been using an open faced BMX helmet, it’s time to upgrade to a full faced BMX helmet. If you’re using BMX gloves without wrist support, it’s time to upgrade those, too – and to also consider using BMX body armor, as well.Best of luck to your entire family!