Play It Forward

   

March 18, 2020

10 ways your family can get fitness fun going at home

The family who exercises together, grows together. Now, more than ever it is important to make time in your day to be active. It will help release stress and channel energy. With our normal activities off schedule, where to turn? We think there is nothing better then spending quality time at home playing (and exercising) as a family. Here are 10 things you can do to get everybody moving.

  1. play time

    Set aside 30 minutes at least three times a week for family exercise time. It is the perfect after-school or after-dinner routine. The activities depend on the age of your kids. If they are younger, try a game of tag, hopscotch or hide-and-seek. For older kids, kick around the soccer ball or shoot hoops.

  2. Pound the pavement

    Nothing says exercise like a family bike ride or walk. Grab a pair of inline skates or a scooter. All it takes is 30 minutes. You can even make it a little competitive by tracking everyone's steps or miles each week. Set goals. Award fun prizes.

  3. Dole out the yard work

    Winter, spring, summer or fall, chores abound. Shovel the snow. Tend a garden. Rake leaves. There are plenty of things that your kids can do around the house.

  4. JUMP ROPE

    Did you know that jumping rope burns an estimated 600 calories an hour? And everyone can do it. See who can be the family's Double Dutch champion.

  5. Get all musical

    What family does not like to sing and dance? Put on some music and let it go. Have a family dance party. Create a sing off.

  6. GET FIDO INVOLVED

    Studies show that owning a dog is one of the best ways to keep healthy and active. Daily walks with the family pet are the perfect excuse to get outdoors more.

  7. Playground Follies

    Playground activities are not just for kids. Make the backyard (or living room) your own Olympic-style venue. Cross the monkey bars. Do some pull-ups. See who can go the highest on the swing.

  8. backyard ballin'

    Kickball. Wiffleball. Dodgeball. If it has ball in the name, do it. There is no better way to get your blood circulating than having a good old-fashioned game of ball.

  9. scavenger hunting

    Find something to hide, pick teams and start your adventure. A scavenger hunt is the perfect way to spend some family time and burn calories. The first one to find the lost treasure gets to pick what is for dinner.

  10. climb stairs

    There are few cardio exercises better than racing up and down a set of stairs. You can make it a total circuit training set by including running, walking, pushups, jumping jacks, etc. Aim for at least 20 to 30 minutes of work, depending on how many stairs you have and how fast you go.

Whatever you choose to do, be sure to follow CDC guidelines regarding proper social distancing.