Ideas to get your kids to be active for National Swim a Lap Day
One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to swim to beat the heat of summer and stay fit. According to Robert A. Robergs, director of the exercise physiology laboratories at The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, swimming is "good, whole-body exercise that has low impact for people with arthritis, musculoskeletal, or weight limitations". If you still haven’t learned how to swim, head to The American Red Cross that offers swimming lessons to almost two million people every year. For those who know how to swim and enjoy the activity thoroughly, here are a few tips to prepare your muscles and body ahead of the National Swim a Lap Day on June 24th.
Fitness tips before National Swim a Lap Day
- Start to walk or cycle to and from school to relax and free up your muscles.
- Encourage kids to climb a tree or two under your supervision to build their stamina.
- Make good use of the sun and go rollerblading or skateboarding outdoors.
- Club your fitness regime with a few good deeds. Walk for charity or participate in one of the goodwill marathons happening during summers.
- If you have a pet, walk with him in your neighborhood. If you don’t have one, you can always offer to walk your neighbor’s pet around! They’ll be more than willing to comply!
- Join a community club or a weekend sport club to stay active and take part in more than one sporting activity.
- Head to your nearest park and play rounds of Frisbee or football with friends or family.
- Summer is a great time to fly a kite. If you don’t know where to buy one from, look up the internet and make one for yourself at home. Kite flying is a great exercise that loosens up your hand muscles.
- Ignite the sporting spirit in kids in a fun way. Plan a beach holiday and let the kids hit the golden sands. The open air and the splashing waves will entice them to run around, swim, play throw ball, etc.
- Check out with local community centers if they have any fitness programs and summer camps running ahead of National Swim a Lap Day. Participate in one of those to stay healthy and fit.
Other ways to spend National Swim a Lap Day
Host a pool party – What can be a better way to celebrate National Swim a Lap Day than throwing a pool party! Encourage all and sundry at the party to hit the pool, if you have one, on June 24th. Don’t forget snacks, music, and sunscreen at the party!
Teach basic strokes – If your child hasn’t learned swimming yet, this is a good time to teach her a few basic strokes like floating, freestyle, breast, back, or even butterfly.
Conduct a poolside safety class for the kids - National Swim a Lap Day is the right time to conduct a class on safety guidelines by the pool. There are a number of safety rules that are a must but they are hardly ever followed diligently. List down the safety rules and make a presentation for the class so that it appeals to the kids.
