Staying Active with Your kids

The best way to promote regular exercise and physical activity amongst kids is by getting them interested in or participating in regular outdoor activities while they are still young. After all, overall health is not fully reliant on your diet. As a parent, you will want to be prepared with a full array of options to help keep your kids interested in staying fit  with a healthy and active routine. 

When kids are away from school in the evenings or on extended vacations, don’t let them fill all of their free time by lounging in front of the television. Encourage them to head outdoors by setting an example and making exercise a part of your whole family’s regular routine. Here are just a few simple and easy ways to stay active with your kids -

Plan Weekend Hikes

To introduce your family to this exciting outdoor activity, research local hiking trails in your area and a plan a weekend trip for a physical challenge and educational opportunity to teach kids about local plant and wildlife. If your kids enjoy hiking, make this a regular tradition by designating a weekend a month where you and your family head to the hills to stay active.

Take After School Bike Rides

For regular activity and exercise, plan afterschool activities that everyone can enjoy together like evening bike rides or walks through your neighborhood. You might find that kids appreciate the structure when it comes to developing an appreciation of exercise and regular activity. Other easy neighborhood activities that you could implement after school include family walks, jogs, or rollerblading excursions.

Organize Weekend Sports Days

When possible, gather your kids and their friends for an exciting day of friendly competition with their neighborhood buddies  or classmates. Invite everyone to the park for physical challenges like races or fun obstacle races. Incorporate various sports challenges to practice various skills in football, soccer, baseball, or basket themed activities that keep them physically engaged and moving.

Dive into the Water

Kids love splashing around in the water, so why not introduce them to a sport that will have them doing just that. Whether you decide to take to the beach or a nearby pool, swimming is a great low impact activity that everyone in the family can take part in. A full body workout, swimming is more often than not seen by kids as more of a fun activity than an actual form of exercise.