Top 10 Ways to Exercise With Your Family
November 20, 2006 by Karen Weideman
Filed under Top 10 lists, health
With childhood obesity on the rise, it is important to make time to exercise with your children. Now is the time to teach them the value of an active lifestyle and I’m sure your family will have fun in the process. Here’s some of my exercising suggestions. Many of them are thrifty ideas.
1. Go to a skating rink. This could be roller skating or ice skating. It’s getting cold outside and either of these would be a good choice.
2. Take a theme walk with your kids. One time your theme could be pointing out birds, another time cars, another time it could be different kinds of trees, and so on. Make it an interesting learning experience. Don’t forget to include the dog. He could use the exercise too.
3. Play a game of touch football, soccer, basketball or some other sport that will be fun and get your heart moving.
4. Build an outdoor obstacle course in the backyard that includes running, climbing, jumping, rolling, and swinging. The kids will think its fun that you are competing against them and everyone will get a workout.
5. Have a jump rope or hula hoop contest.
6. If you’re watching tv, exercise with your kids during commercials.
7. Join a family gym such as the YMCA. This will enable everyone to workout all year long, no matter how hot or cold it is outside. Many family oriented places offer family swimming and other family friendly activities.
8. Ride a stationary bicycle, do stretches, push ups, etc while watching your favorite tv program.
9. Get outside and rollerblade or ride your bikes.
10. Play capture the flag, kickball, or tag.
It’s also important to keep a positive attitude about exercising together. Instead of using the word “exercise” maybe you could say “Let’s go outside and play together. What would you like to play?”
What activities do you do with your children?
My friends pick out from a list of available volunteer activities ones that envolve some physical activity. It is fun, rewarding, and learning experience for kids.
Thanks for the suggestion.