With summer upon us, and the children at home, it can be difficult to work exercise into the regular daily routine. So why not combine the relaxed nature of the season and quality family time with the exceptional benefits of exercise? Here are six great ideas to get you thinking about how you can maneuver more physical fitness into your everyday activities.
· Go Bike Riding. Whether it’s just a few rounds around the block or a planned picnic at the end of a bike path, bike riding is a great way for the entire family to travel. If you have small children, look around at garage sales and second hand stores for child carriers or bicycle baby seats.
· Take a Walk. Plan an excursion for an hour, an afternoon, or the day. A shopping trip or a trek to the park are good starts. A museum, a zoo or a festival can keep you on your feet for a few hours while you enjoy some education or entertainment. Bring bottles of water or juice boxes to drink along the way.
· Go Jogging. If your child is very small, take a short jog with the stroller. If they have a tricycle or small bicycle of their own, jog alongside while they bike. This is also ideal for parents of children learning to ride scooters, skateboards and rollerblades!
· Backyard Sports. Whether it’s a game of catch, basketball, badminton or crocket, pick an outdoor lawn game and spend a few hours together in the sun.
· Water Fun. Remember playing in the water as a child? Who says that adults are too old to cool off in the sprinkler? Play tag, throw water balloons or take turns with your children jumping into the inflatable pool.
· Family Clean-Up. Gardening, mowing and cleaning are excellent exercise. Get the family together, assign chores like weeding, picking up garbage, raking and washing the car, and then turn up the music! Set a timer to get everything done on a deadline. Make a game out of it. Afterwards, have Popsicles and kool-aid while you admire the work that got done.
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