Activities to Help You Exercise With Your Kids
It’s ALWAYS good to stay active. Teaching kids at a young age the importance of exercise is a great way to help them stay healthy for life. My kids go with me to the gym weekly and when we discuss why I need to exercise, it’s NEVER about getting “skinny” but always about getting/staying healthy. (I have girls so it’s really important for me to talk about being healthy and not focusing on weight.)
My kids aren’t old enough for most activities we associate with exercise, but they can run and have fun. In fact most of the time they don’t even know they are exercising, they just think they are playing (which is almost the same thing. 😉 )
Activities We Do As A Family To Stay Active
Here are some activities we do as a family to stay active and few more that are great ways to exercise with your kids:
- Riding Bikes
- Hopscotch
- Throwing the frisbee or ball
- Hola hooping
- Riding scooters
- Swimming races
- Just Dance on the Wii
- Walks around the neighborhood
- Jumping Rope
- Tennis
- Kicking around the soccer ball
- Playing a game of HORSE (basketball)
- Rollerblading
Elementary age kids and older can also do things like push-ups, jumping jacks, sit-ups and squats. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, wait to introduce weights until they are a little older and their balance and posture control has had time to mature. Weight training programs must be appropriate for the age and development of the child, so be cautious about starting them too early.
I don’t know about you, but I enjoy exercising so much more when I don’t realize I’m doing it. Sometimes getting my kids active takes a little extra effort on my part but it’s worth it in the long run to know I’m helping them develop good/healthy habits.
What are some of the activities you do with your kids to keep them active (besides organized sports)?
