Ideas for a summer of family fitness
14 Jun 2022 by Ted Escobedo 3 min read
As your kids (or grandkids) have some time off for the summer, it’s a great opportunity to set some fitness goals for you and for them.While it might be enough of a workout for you getting them to put down their phones and tablets, experts agree that limiting screen time and encouraging physical activity is extremely important for young minds and bodies. (And it’s great for not-so-young too.) Here are some ideas:
1. Make Time to Play
Set aside 30 minutes three times a week to do fun exercises with your kids. Make it a part of your daily routine. If your kids are young, they might like hopscotch or hide-and-seek. Kick a soccer ball around or shoot hoops with older children. Also plan at least one family activity every weekend. It can be as simple as taking little ones to the playground -- or as challenging as an all-day hike with your teenager.
2. Walk or Bicycle Everywhere You Can
Use muscle power: Bike or walk to the grocery store, library, or to your child's school or sports events. Go for a 30-minute family walk after dinner instead of heading right for the television. Track everyone's steps with a pedometer and try to add more distance every week. Use a family exercise log or colorful stickers to track your progress. Put your log or chart on the refrigerator as a reminder to keep up the good effort together.
3. Plan Active Family Gatherings
Serve up family fitness as well as cake at your child's birthday party by planning active games such as tag or relay races. Older kids might enjoy throwing a dance party.
Any large gathering of kids is also a great chance to play a team sport. Just head to a nearby soccer field or basketball court. Other active party ideas: a pool party, in-line or ice skating, or climbing at an indoor rock gym.
Source: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/family-fitness-ideas
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