Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Easy Ways to Make Fitness Fun for Your Kids!

As we spend more and more time plugged in and settled on the couch, it’s increasingly important that we make fitness a fun activity for kids. When children learn from your example, they will lead more active lifestyles and set themselves up for a lifetime of cardiovascular health. Here are some ways to make fitness fun for kids:

Games

What kinds of games do you like to play? Get the family together in the backyard for a game to get your family up and moving in a fun way. Here are some ideas for types of games:
  • Backyard games: While the barbecue is heating up, this is a good time to get the family active in a backyard game of croquet, ring or beanie bag toss, or bocce ball. All are easy, old-fashioned fun that can be enjoyed by every member of the family.
  • Running games: Whether you have a few kids over after school or a whole birthday party full of energetic kids, they’ll enjoy playing running games such as tag, spider, red rover, freeze-tag, or even kick the can.
  • Basketball / driveway games and activities: Younger kids might enjoy hopscotch, jumping rope, riding a big wheel or whirling in a hula hoop. An energetic eight-year-old could love jumping up and down on a pogo stick or trying her hand at walking on stilts. Your older daredevil might enjoy riding a scooter or a skateboard, or possibly burning a few hundred calories per hour roller blading. Older kids might enjoy four square, basketball, and related games such as PIG or HORSE.
  • Ball games: Toss a baseball or football, play volleyball, tetherball, or play bocce ball.
  •  What about a family Olympics? You could set up categories and prizes – winner can choose who empties the dishwasher next week, or winner gets breakfast in bed.
Playing a game together outside as a family is a great way to encourage children to exercise. Kids have fun, burn calories and bond with family members, all at the same time.

GREAT NEWS! I have a powerful tip sheet that I’d love to share with you that includes more information on encouraging family fitness.

Develop healthier fitness habits in your family by emailing me at janet@finetunedfamilies.com and enter the phrase “family fitness.”

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