News: Oak Swings: Why They're More Than Luxurious Garden Furniture

20/12/2023

There's more to a swing than meets the eye. In this article, you’ll find the hidden benefits of swings and why an oak swing is the must-have garden furniture for addition.

The Allure of Oak

Think of a swing and it's easy to conjure up images of rusted frames and public parks. But swings needn't be an eyesore. With a solid oak frame, we can offer the functionality of a swing, but with such allure and beauty, they can stand in the most pristine of gardens.

If you take pride in your garden space, the sophistication of an oak frame will blend with the surroundings. Simply put, an oak swing won't stand out like a sore thumb, instead, it will elevate the appeal of the garden. On our online designer, you can pick from a post thickness of 175mm or 200mm. Either of these cross-section post sizes creates a bold and sturdy frame, making a cohesive aesthetic to integrate seamlessly with luxurious gardens.

The History of Swings

It's most likely something you haven't contemplated, but the history of the humble swing dates back far. In fact, artefacts discovered in Greece dating back as far as 1450 to 1300 BC, are the earliest references to swing use. It seems swings have been a favourite for a fair few years. But why so?

Emotional Health Benefits

It’s pure speculation to suggest what people were thinking all those years ago. However, over time, the emotional health benefits of swing use have become clearer. First off, rocking back and forth on a swing is calming. As explained by Little Tikes, the swinging motions release endorphins. What are endorphins? These are the neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of pleasure, so swinging helps improve mood and help with stress reduction.

With the growing recognition of mindfulness worldwide, the swing finds itself back in the spotlight. Swing meditation is a thing. Ilchi Lee, an author who hopes to "nurture the full potential of the human brain," champions the act of swing meditation. It makes sense, after all, the motion that encourages being in the present moment. Throw in that you’ll rock in the great outdoors with all of its sensory stimulation such as the wind on your face, swing meditation is an alternative method to disconnect from stressors.

Physical Health Benefits

So some playtime on a swing can improve mood, but what about physical health? On average, it's said you can burn 200 calories per hour using a swing. While an hour seems like a lot, remember, it's not an intense workout and one that you can relax with an audiobook or album while you do so. Furthermore, it's a low-impact exercise, making it ideal for those who struggle with intense workouts.

According to LiveStrong, swing sets are now finding their way into gyms as a fun way to strengthen your core and legs. As many exercise gurus say, for the best results, you need an exercise you'll stick to and there's no better way to stick to a routine than by enjoying it.

Oak Swings for All Ages

In an era where prying children away from gaming consoles and tablets proves challenging, an oak swing could hold the key. What's more, for early childhood development there are added benefits. As reported by Michigan State University, swing use can improve a child's sensory system and develop motor skills. At this point, it’s worth mentioning that our oak swings comply with British safety standards in place for children's playground equipment.

But remember, besides being the star attraction of the playground, swings have health benefits for kids and grown-ups alike. From emotional and physical health, grown-ups should enjoy the joys of a swing too. Besides, we all like to get in touch with our inner child now and again.

We can supply 24mm thick synthetic poly hemp rope with our oak swings. We picked this material because of its water and rot-proof properties. Not forgetting it has a maximum breaking load of 7000 kilograms, that's 7 tons! So, with the solid oak frame and rope strength, you needn't worry about the capabilities to withstand adult use. Pre-approved by a structural engineer, our swings can hold up to 140 kilograms.

Oak Swings as Gathering Points

In a garden designed for socialising, a swing is a unique and engaging addition to gatherings. When entertaining, as the evening gets into full swing (excuse the pun), the swing offers an irresistible focus point for guests to try. And that’s a feature few pieces of garden furniture can stake a claim to. An oak swing is a playful fixture to bring smiles to faces.

Conclusion

So our oak swings are much more than luxurious garden furniture! Not only do they offer a lavish and playful fixture in your garden, but there are emotional and physical benefits, too. With the new year coming, it’s the time of year to contemplate fresh starts. If you’re hoping to spend more time outdoors, exercise, and practise mindfulness, then an oak swing ticks every box and more.

Head over to our Oak Swing page now to design yours! We have different styles and you can specify the exact size to suit your needs.

Visit our Oak Swings Page.